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Fetishism and visual culture in Later Neolithic Southeast Italy

Skeates, R.

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Abstract

The term ‘fetish’ has been used since the sixteenth century to refer to indigenous ‘power objects’, perceived to embody positive supernatural energy. This concept is explored here with reference to the visual culture of the Later Neolithic in Southeast Italy (5800–4100 bc). During this period, many aspects of the material world were ascribed a greater visual significance, being modelled into more varied art-forms and highlighted by more innovative and elaborate decoration, ritual performances and special deposits. A culturally specific range of powerful bodily and abstract symbols unified and animated these material forms, to the extent that we can talk of a fetishistic way of seeing and visual culture. These may have been used strategically to highlight and strengthen social connections, distinctions and boundaries. Ultimately, these social dynamics related to tensions surrounding the final transition to a fully agricultural way of life in Neolithic Southeast Italy.

Citation

Skeates, R. (2016). Fetishism and visual culture in Later Neolithic Southeast Italy. Time and Mind: The Journal of Archaeology, Consciousness and Culture, 9(4), 335-352. https://doi.org/10.1080/1751696x.2016.1244951

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Sep 30, 2016
Online Publication Date Nov 4, 2016
Publication Date Nov 4, 2016
Deposit Date Jan 4, 2017
Publicly Available Date May 4, 2018
Journal Time and Mind: The Journal of Archaeology, Consciousness and Culture
Print ISSN 1751-696X
Electronic ISSN 1751-6978
Publisher Taylor and Francis Group
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 9
Issue 4
Pages 335-352
DOI https://doi.org/10.1080/1751696x.2016.1244951

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