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The Power of Ancient Stones: Protecting Children in Greek Sicily

Lambrugo, Claudia (2020) The Power of Ancient Stones: Protecting Children in Greek Sicily. ACTA ANTIQUA ACADEMIAE SCIENTIARUM HUNGARICAE, 60 (3-4). pp. 429-443. ISSN 0044-5975 (print); 1588-2543 (online)

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Abstract

The paper focuses on the occurrence of Castelluccian (Early Bronze Age) pebble pendants in sub-adult tombs found in Greek, but also indigenous sites in Sicily from 8th century BC onwards. These pebble-shaped pendants are made of various materials, especially alabaster and translucent stones. They are usually unearthed with shells, perhaps to form a single ornament, in close bond with selected people. The occurrence in archaic infant burials, both in Greek and indigenous contexts, without being documented meanwhile, brings up a challenging issue: we can argue that these items, discovered accidentally in very ancient tombs, were considered to be old and therefore deemed particularly valuable also due to the intrinsic properties of the stones, being shiny and translucent. As a consequence (by drawing inspiration from native women’s ancient knowledge?) they were probably conveyed a new meaning and turned into apotropaic amulets in order to protect children from diseases during life, and from perils in afterlife.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: MTA KFB támogatási szerződés alapján archiválva
Uncontrolled Keywords: Greek Sicily, Gela, Castelluccian facies, pebble pendant, necropolis, funerary scenario, premature death
Subjects: P Language and Literature / nyelvészet és irodalom > PA Classical philology / klasszika-filológia
SWORD Depositor: MTMT SWORD
Depositing User: MTMT SWORD
Date Deposited: 27 May 2022 10:01
Last Modified: 26 Nov 2023 00:15
URI: https://real.mtak.hu/id/eprint/143101

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