Syro-Hittite Monumental Art and the Archaeology of Performance
Author | : Alessandra Gilibert |
Publisher | : Walter de Gruyter |
Total Pages | : 241 |
Release | : 2011 |
ISBN-10 | : 9783110222258 |
ISBN-13 | : 3110222256 |
Rating | : 4/5 (58 Downloads) |
Book excerpt: The ceremonial centers of the Syro-Hittite city-states (1200-700 BC) were lavishly decorated with large-scale, open-air figurative reliefs - an original and greatly influential artistic tradition. But why exactly did the production of such an array of monumental images ever start? This volume explores how Syro-Hittite monumental art was used as a powerful backdrop to important ritual events, and opens up a new perspective by situating monumental art in the context of public performances and civic spectacles of great emotional impact, such as processions, royal triumphs, and dynastic funerals.