Perishable, yet perennial : Formal and semantic properties of round building architecture in prehistoric Aegean
Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.6, No.2, 2006, pages 37-51
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Pages:
37-51
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Articles
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Abstract:
Round buildings are architecturally distinct, while defying direct assessment of specific, cultural significance.This is partly due to a lack of finer typology regarding morphology, range of use, stratigraphy,settlement context and indeed geographic and chronological correktions. Flimsy structure andvery small numbers compared to other architectural types are two additional reasons that might explainan overall apprehension to deal with these constructions as a distinct and peculiar class of evidence.This paper aims at bringing the Aegean evidence to the fore of archaeological discussion, withregard to its peculiar morphology and contents, stratigraphy and settlement context, chronology,duration and symbolic manifestation. An architectural reconstruction is suggested on account of combinedsources, i.e. actual remains, iconography and plastic models. The semantic ramifications of thisclass of evidence will be explored against its typological and contextual transformations mainly withinMinoan Crete. It is suggested that perishable structure is a significant formal property as much asa semantic constituent of form, in the same way that the goddess with upraised arms enthroned in theLMIII hut models indicates an association with the sacred. An interpretative approach of theseenthroned figures in particular will also be attempted.
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Keywords:
Round huts, Seals, Models, Perishable structure, Aegean, Prehistory
