Coastal cult: the case of Drakaina cave on Kephallonia
Karadima, Agathi (2020) Coastal cult: the case of Drakaina cave on Kephallonia. PhD thesis, Birkbeck, University of London.
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Abstract
The ancient cave sanctuary of Drakaina, close to the coastal site of Poros on the Ionian island of Kephallonia, played an important role in the religious life of the island. This thesis investigates the history and archaeology of the site. I compare the ceramic assemblage with those of other local sanctuaries in order to explore the complex network of shared religious beliefs and political and economic interests that extended beyond the island to include the other Ionian islands, the mainland to the east and Magna Grecia to the west. I examine the figurative terracottas and pottery (fine and miniature) that was unearthed during the excavation of the site; this material is presented in a catalogue (volume 2). Having documented the material, I discuss the nature of the sanctuary’s cult, by focusing first on the material itself, dedicatory practices and developments in pottery and coroplastic production across the wider region. Secondly, I attempt to place the site in its historical and religious contexts, emphasising particularly its geographical position, which was on a sea route and adjacent to a natural harbour. The nature of the cult practised in the cave is also considered, with special reference made to the many other comparable sites, caves and local sanctuaries. The chronological time frame of the thesis is limited by the dating of the bulk of the material between the Archaic and the end of the Hellenistic period. Nonetheless, attention is given to the few examples of earlier remains, namely one figurine and a few vessels of Geometric date. Furthermore, the thesis addresses issues related to miniaturisation and the features of West Greek pottery, and re-evaluates their influence on the coroplastic production of the region. This research aims to demonstrate that the dedications were conscious choices that speak for themselves regarding their producers and consumers.
Metadata
| Item Type: | Thesis |
|---|---|
| Additional Information: | 2 volumes |
| Copyright Holders: | The copyright of this thesis rests with the author, who asserts his/her right to be known as such according to the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988. No dealing with the thesis contrary to the copyright or moral rights of the author is permitted. |
| Depositing User: | Acquisitions And Metadata |
| Date Deposited: | 27 Aug 2021 15:40 |
| Last Modified: | 01 Nov 2023 14:30 |
| URI: | https://eprints.bbk.ac.uk/id/eprint/45723 |
| DOI: | https://doi.org/10.18743/PUB.00045723 |
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