School of Historical and Philosophical Studies - Theses

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Author: Poelina-Hunter, Emily × End date: 2019 × Start date: 2000 × Type: PhD thesis × Subject: Cyclades × Subject: archaeology ×

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    Cycladic sculptures decorated with abstract painted motifs: representations of tattooing in the prehistoric Aegean
    Poelina-Hunter, Emily ( 2019)
    In historical literature pertaining to Cycladic sculptures, several writers suggest that some of the painted motifs on the surface of these marble sculptures may represent tattoos. This thesis seeks to undertake the first systematic research into answering the question: ‘Did Cycladic islanders practice tattooing and is this reflected in the abstract painted motifs on Cycladic sculptures?’. As a consequence of the Cycladic burial method of inhumation in the Early Bronze Age Aegean, the physical remains of body decoration or tattooing on preserved skin has not survived. Therefore, representations of tattooing on marble sculptures are the main sources of Cycladic evidence for the practice, along with the archaeological remains of possible tattooing instruments that demonstrate the technological ability to practice tattooing. Comparisons to the painted motifs on Egyptian potency figurines, which mimic the tattoos on the preserved skin of female mummies from Egypt and Nubia, are further supporting evidence for the hypothesis that Cycladic islanders were in contact with tattooed people that created figurines with tattoos. An overview of tattooing in ancient and traditional cultures around the globe is presented in order to shed light on the reasons why tattooing is practised and why particular motifs are chosen. Descriptions of the methods employed to create the tattoos in these cultures also present the reader with the ability to recognise comparative tattooing instruments in Cycladic material culture. A literature review of the history of the scholarly engagement with Cycladic sculptures demonstrates why this thesis is necessary to broaden research into the painted abstract motifs on these Early Bronze Age sculptures. Possible tattoo kits are also identified in the burial assemblages of several Cycladic cemeteries.