Textiles in Ancient Mediterranean Iconography [Hardcover]

This volume provides an ambitious synopsis of the complex, colorful world of textiles in ancient Mediterranean iconography. A wealth of information on ancient textiles is available from depictions such as sculpture, vase painting, figurines, reliefs and mosaics. Commonly represented in clothing, textiles are also present in furnishings and through the processes of textile production. The challenge for anyone analyzing ancient iconography is determining how we interpret what we see. As preserved textiles rarely survive in comparable forms, we must consider the extent to which representations of textiles reflect reality, and critically evaluate the sources. Images are not simple replicas or photographs of reality. Instead, iconography draws on select elements from the surrounding world that were recognizable to the ancient audience, and reveal the perceptions, ideologies, and ideas of the society in which they were produced. Through examining the durable evidence, this anthology reveals the ephemeral world of textiles and their integral role in the daily life, cult and economy of the ancient Mediterranean.Collection of papers by leading textile researchers addressing issues related to depictions of dress, textile tools, textile production, as well as textiles for other purposes than dress, such as furnishing textiles, in the ancient Mediterranean region.Latest volume in the highly successful Ancient Textiles Series.Major new analysis of the the social, political, and religious significance of iconographic representations of ancient textiles and garments.Examines perceptions and ideologies of the society in which icongraphic representations were produced.PrefaceAuthor biographies1. Introduction: Approaching textiles in ancient Mediterranean iconographyCecilie Br?ns, Susanna Harris, and Marta {uchowska2. Textile Production in Aegean Glyptic: Interpreting small-scale representations on seals and sealings from Bronze Age GreeceAgata Ulanowska3. Textiles and Iconography inlc†