Boeotian Kabeiric ware : the significance of the ceramic offerings at the Theban Kabeirion in Boeotia
This study presents a re-evaluation of the ceramic material from the sanctuary of the Kabeiroi at Thebes in Boeotia. The lack of relevant literary evidence necessitates a reliance on the archaeology as the primary means of interpretation. In particular the archaeological context and iconography of the ceramics offer an interesting and highly unusual perspective into the secretive and often peculiar nature of the Kabeiric cult. Previous studies conducted on the ceramic material have only considered it in iconographic terms, yet by reappraising the data using an analytical approach and socio-archaeological theory it is possible to acquire a deeper understanding of the operation of this cult. By examining the form and function of the ceramics we can elicit inferences relating to the role of wine and intoxication within the rituals of the sanctuary. Comparative studies between form and iconography can further develop our interpretations of the scenes as representations of cult practices. The evidence is further scrutinised for indications as to whether the Theban site is characteristic of the Kabeiric cult as a whole, or if its unique iconography demonstrates its individuality within the ancient world. The data
Bedigan, Kirsten M.
CC Archaeology ; DF Greece ; D051 Ancient History
Boeotian Kabeiric ware : the significance of the ceramic offerings at the Theban Kabeirion in Boeotia. This study presents a re-evaluation of the ceramic material from the sanctuary of the Kabeiroi at Thebes in Boeotia. The lack of relevant literary evidence necessitates a reliance on the archaeology as the primary means of interpretation. In particular the archaeological context and iconography of the ceramics offer an interesting and highly unusual perspective into the secretive and often peculiar nature of the Kabeiric cult. Previous studies conducted on the ceramic material have only considered it in iconographic terms, yet by reappraising the data using an analytical approach and socio-archaeological theory it is possible to acquire a deeper understanding of the operation of this cult. By examining the form and function of the ceramics we can elicit inferences relating to the role of wine and intoxication within the rituals of the sanctuary. Comparative studies between form and iconography can further develop our interpretations of the scenes as representations of cult practices. The evidence is further scrutinised for indications as to whether the Theban site is characteristic of the Kabeiric cult as a whole, or if its unique iconography demonstrates its individuality within the ancient world. The data
ware significance ceramic offering theban study present re_evaluation ceramic_material sanctuary lack relevant literary_evidence necessitates reliance archaeology primary mean interpretation particular archaeological_context iconography ceramic offer interest highly unusual perspective often peculiar nature cult previous_study conduct ceramic_material consider iconographic term yet reappraise data_use analytical socio archaeological_theory possible acquire deep operation cult examine form_function ceramic elicit inference relate role wine within ritual sanctuary comparative_study form iconography develop interpretation representation cult_practice evidence scrutinise indication whether theban site characteristic cult whole unique iconography demonstrate individuality within ancient_world data