Early Cycladic II Mourning Figures   Term Paper ID:42193 Click to get this paper

Essay Subject: This paper provides a critical review of Gail L Hoffman s Painted Ladies Early ...... More...

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Paper Abstract: This paper provides a critical review of Gail L. Hoffman’s “Painted Ladies: Early Cycladic II Mourning Figures?” in which the author maintains Cycladic figures with painted decorations were used in daily life and as part of funeral/burial ceremonies in the Archaic period. Paper Introduction: Critical Review In Painted Ladies Early Cycladic II Mourning Figures Gail L Hoffman attempts to argue that a small group of painted folding-armfigures FAFs from Early Bronze Age Cycladic society represent mourningfigures used in funeral ritual In trying to serve this purpose Hoffmanattempts to answer a number of questions from study of primary sources andarchaeological evidence Ultimately however Hoffman admits no answerprovides absolute satisfaction regarding the purpose of these figures AsHoffman explains the purpose of the figures is a question that without Text of the Paper: The entire text of the paper is shown below. However, the text is somewhat scrambled. We want to give you as much information as we possibly can about our papers and essays, but we cannot give them away for free. In the text below you will find that while disordered, many of the phrases are essentially intact. From this text you will be able to get a solid sense of the writing style, the concepts addressed, and the sources used in the research paper. Archeologically, she discussesevidence related to the Cycladic sculptures to help prove her purpose forthem from the Athens National Museum finds of 1888. If theywere Chiefdoms, then this might not fit in with Hoffman's contention thatwomen played a major role in such cultures, especially duringfuneral/burial ceremonies and rituals. The language andstyle help elevate the author's argument, as she uses provides engagingpieces of information related to the Cycladic II figures such as herspeculation that the figures traveled through life with their owner, beingpresent at and incorporated into various rituals: "I wonder whether it ispossible that some of these figures would have been produced at puberty.The figure, then, might have been used in various rites of passage. This shows the use of logos or reason and logicin the author's style, since it makes sense if this scenario were true thenthe figures would, indeed, ultimately be decorated and a part of thefuneral/burial ritual. In making her case,the author uses primary sources well. 832 7 Critical Review In "Painted Ladies: Early Cycladic II Mourning Figures?" Gail L.Hoffman (525) attempts to argue that a small group of painted "folding-armfigures" (FAFs) from Early Bronze Age Cycladic society represent "mourningfigures" used in funeral ritual. AsHoffman (546) explains, the purpose of the figures is a question that"without fuller contextual evidence for the figures and better excavationof settlements, there is little hope of answering." In trying to argue the purpose of the painted FAFs, Hoffman speaksto an audience that is familiar with Greek archaeological history andancient culture, often making assumptions based on speaking to an informedaudience. 1(1969): 1-32. "The Development and Chronology of the Early Cycladic Figurines." American Journal of Archaeology 73, no. 4(2 2): 525-55 .Mertens, Joan R. Hoffman also uses herhistorical primary sources well in the sense that she gathers evidence fromthem to help prove her purpose for the painted ladies. For example, she assumes her readers know how important ritualand funeral/burial practices were to ancient cultures. "Some Long Thoughts on Early Cycladic Sculpture." Metropolitan Museum Journal 33(1998): 7-22.Renfrew, Colin. Compared to other research on the Cycladic II figures, Hoffman'sresearch appears valid and in keeping with findings and theory in theprofessional literature. Of those that were excavated. Such reference would help strengthenher point of how the figures were used, though she does mention somesculpture in female form used to decorate the graves of aristocratic womenin the Archaic period like Phrasikleia. Renfrew (4) maintains Cycladic cultures were"Chiefdoms," but Hoffman maintains they were more egalitarian. In trying to serve this purpose, Hoffmanattempts to answer a number of questions from study of primary sources andarchaeological evidence. "Painted Early Cycladic Figures: An Explanation of Context and Meaning." Hesperia 72, no. The author includes a significant level of information related tovarious aspects of Cycladic II FAFs as they pertain to her purpose.However, there is one glaring omission in her argument whose presence mayhave strengthened her argument if not proven her point. Ultimately, however, Hoffman admits no answerprovides absolute satisfaction regarding the purpose of these figures. However, sheuses her sources well enough and makes an argument that is logical enoughto be able to further her belief that this is how the figures were used,including use of the figures during the deceased's lifetime. Nearly allwere found in burials" (Hoffman 531). "Painted Ladies: Early Cycladic II Mourning Figures?" American Journal of Archaeology 1 6, no. As Hoffman(546) notes, we may not be able to answer her question absolutely, but "itis possible to inch forward by studying carefully the evidence of painttraces on the preserved figures." In moving forward in this manner, theauthor has been successful.BibliographyHendrix, Elizabeth A. Atsuch events, the figure and its owner would both receive appropriatedecoration" (Hoffman 545). As she explains,"Perhaps 1,2 FAFs are currently known, yet only 145 of these derive fromscientific excavation of graces. In "Painted Early Cycladic Figures," ElizabethHendrix (421) confirms the paucity of context with respect to the figures,but also validates Hoffman's contention that painting was applied as partof "finishing the figure." Hendrix (432) also supports Hoffman'sconclusion that the hastily applied applications might point to use during"specific rituals." In contrast to Hendrix's support of Hoffman's argumentabout the use of the painted ladies, in "The Development and Chronology ofthe Early Cycladic Figurines" Colin Renfrew conflicts with Hoffman's viewof Cycladic culture. Her use of Tsountas,whose excavations helped establish some context for the figures fromgraves, is well placed; especially since she aims to demonstrate thatabsence of contextual evidence complicates her goal. She fails toinclude any mention of discussion of the use of Cycladic II figures orsculpted ladies in Greek culture involved in daily life, rituals andfuneral/burial practices in art or literature; though she does admit the"importance of proper mourning for the dead evident in fifth-century Greekart and literature" (Hoffman 525). 4(2 3): 4 5-446.Hoffman, Gail L. Hoffman presents her argument in a well constructed essay. Shedivides her argument into different sections like "Cycladic Figures,""Authenticity," and "Burial;" providing history and archaeological evidencein each section as it pertains to an aspect or question or her attempt topinpoint a purpose for the Cycladic II painted ladies. Despite a well-crafted argument written in engaging language and aforceful style, the author is unable to fulfill her purpose of maintainingabsolutely that the Cycladic II FAFs with painted decoration were used infuneral/burial ceremonies and were buried with their owner. If this paper is not what you are looking for, you can search again: Search for: or Click here to request an essay written just for you.