The terracotta figurines from Akragas (Agrigento, Sicily) refer in their appearance to a prosperous life. The extensive jewellery on the figurines contains large fibulae appliques fastening... Show moreThe terracotta figurines from Akragas (Agrigento, Sicily) refer in their appearance to a prosperous life. The extensive jewellery on the figurines contains large fibulae appliques fastening pectoral chains with several sorts of pendants. The body of the figurines remained armless and abstract for some time. The block shaped, sloping upper body might have originated with aniconic objects, but suggests here a seated person. An archaeological experiment on figurine production and a detailed material analysis proved most of the figurines studied to have been designed and produced locally. Moulds of wooden figurines were used in the production of the moulds. Exchange with Selinous resulted in variations of the standard and figurines with finely detailed faces. Designing and dedicating these votive figurines, and possibly also jewellery, to a cult statue might have acted as a unifying element for the multi-ethnic society of Akragas. By means of these anthropomorphic female figurines, portrayed after women, people could express their traditions and wishes using old and new symbols such as the Phoenician crescent and the Greek satyr. Their cultural influences formed a new religious setting and were placed in the newly prosperous context, helping to forge a new identity unique to Akragas. Show less
Rooijen, G.K. van; Jacobs, L.; Braekmans, D.; Sojc, N. 2017
Figurines – or terracotta made figurative objects – are a frequently encountered material category in Antiquity. Their importance can be directly linked to an expression of socio-cultural phenomena... Show moreFigurines – or terracotta made figurative objects – are a frequently encountered material category in Antiquity. Their importance can be directly linked to an expression of socio-cultural phenomena. To understand the practices and techniques applied in the production of terracotta figurines from Akragas (Agrigento, Sicily), an archaeological experiment was carried out with the aim to reconstruct the full chaîne opératoire. This so-called coroplastic experiment focused on the large variety of female figurines from Akragas dated from the 6th-5th century BC. These form the majority of mould-made objects, which were placed as votives in high numbers at sanctuaries and were also applied as a grave gift. The demand for figurines to be dedicated and the flourishing business of terracotta production in Akragas can be explained by the presence of several nearby high-quality mineral resources, in combination with the craftsmanship of the local workshops. This availability sets the conditions for a strong tradition, resulting in a variety of moulded figurines. In this study, several clays and techniques are selected to re-create the production process with the aim of elucidating the technological capacity and choices made by potters and artisans. The outcome of tests with local clays showed that the materials nearby found fit the workability requirements, but also that by mixing several clays the colour of the figurines could be manipulated. Several generations of a figurine’s genealogy re-created in the experiment show how details fade and explain the common solution to replace the head. The use of different tools, such as round sticks as well as metal blades could be distinguished by an interpretative approach to the traces on reworked figurines. The development of characteristics in both design and technique shows a local style, while moulds and figurines were exchanged with other Sicilian towns, such as Selinous (Selinunte, Sicily). However, the appearance, as well as specific production techniques, shows an influence of a different craft tradition, one which points to an eastern Greek origin. In order to distinguish the technological choices and their effect on stylistic developments, a technical approach was chosen to research the production technique and the use of materials by the workshops in Akragas. Show less
