Mycenaean skulls: “αμενηνά κάρηνα" or social actors in Late Helladic metaphysics and society?

Gallou, Chrysanthi

Abstract

Bodily fragmentation with particular focus to the ceremonial removal and re-deposition of the skull, has formed part of a complex system of post-mortem rites and ancestor cults since prehistory; “a powerful statement that surfaces in the iconography, mortuary practices, and political agendas of many cultures”.1 The Aegean archaeological record has provided numerous examples for postfunerary treatment and ritual re-deposition of skulls from the Mesolithic onwards and various studies have put the practice in the proscenium of Aegean ritual with particular focus on the Neolithic and Minoan periods.2 On the other hand, less research has focused on headless skeletons and bodiless skulls in the Mycenaean mortuary record. This study aims to investigate the preferential selection of the skull in Late Helladic post-funerary contexts, and to offer insights into how second funeral rites and the manipulation and display of the cranium might have been employed to serve and preserve community cohesion, ancestral ties and memory in Mycenaean society.

Citation

Gallou, C. (2016). Mycenaean skulls: “αμενηνά κάρηνα" or social actors in Late Helladic metaphysics and society?. In E. Alram-Stern, F. Blakolmer, S. Deger-Jalkotzy, R. Laffineur, & J. Weilhartner (Eds.), Metaphysis: ritual, myth and symbolism in the Aegean Bronze Age: proceedings of the 15th International Aegean Conference, Vienna, Institute for Oriental and European Archaeology, Aegean and Anatolia Department, Austrian Academy of Sciences ... Peeters

• Acceptance Date: Oct 19, 2015
• Online Publication Date: May 1, 2016
• Publication Date: May 1, 2016
• Deposit Date: Jul 29, 2016
• Publicly Available Date: May 2, 2019
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Issue: 39
• Series Title: Aegaeum
• Book Title: Metaphysis: ritual, myth and symbolism in the Aegean Bronze Age: proceedings of the 15th International Aegean Conference, Vienna, Institute for Oriental and European Archaeology, Aegean and Anatolia Department, Austrian Academy of Sciences ...
• ISBN: 978-90-429-3366-8
• Keywords: Aegean; Mycenaean; Archaeology; Death; Commemoration; Ancestor Cult; Ritual
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/782111
• Publisher URL: http://www.peeters-leuven.be/boekoverz.asp?nr=10174
• Contract Date: Jul 29, 2016