Signe Barfoed, a PhD student and Graduate Teaching Assistant in the Department of Classical & Archaeological Studies, is to co-edit an issue of journal World Archaeology, alongside Professor Lin Foxhall from the University of Leicester.
The issue’s focus will be on the phenomenon of miniaturization. Miniature versions of buildings, animals, clothing and textiles, tools, weapons, musical instruments, pots, and many other things are well known, though not always well-studied, by archaeologists. The aim of this issue is to explore the variety of roles, uses and meanings of miniature objects across a range of societies and contexts. Frequently archaeologists have assumed that such objects are simply cheap ‘imitations’, intended as substitutes for more valuable, ‘real’ items. While this may be true in some instances, it is demonstrably not the case where miniatures demonstrate high levels of craftsmanship and detail which entail more work and greater skill than the production of a ‘normal’ sized object, or where the miniature is made in precious materials. Archaeologists have also been too ready to jump to the conclusion that all such objects are ‘ritual’ without considering other possible uses and significance that they might have instead or in addition (e.g., mementos, ornaments, toys).
The issue is due for publication in February 2015, and the call for papers is open until 31 May 2014.
For more information about this issue of World Archaeology, please see the journal webpage here: http://explore.tandfonline.com/cfp/ah/miniaturization