In this study, Jo Stoner investigates the role of domestic material culture in Late Antiquity. Using archaeological, visual and textual evidence from across the Roman Empire, the personal meanings of late antique possessions are revealed through reference to theoretical approaches including object biography. Heirlooms, souvenirs, and gift objects are discussed in terms of sentimental value, before the book culminates in a case study reassessing baskets as an artefact type. This volume succeeds in demonstrating personal scales of value for artefacts, moving away from the focus on economic and social status that dominate studies in this field. It thus represents a new interpretation of domestic material culture from Late Antiquity, revealing how objects transformed houses into homes during this period.
Author(s): Jo Stoner
Series: Late Antique Archaeology (Supplementary Series) 4
Publisher: Brill
Year: 2019
Language: English
Pages: XII+121
The Cultural Lives of Domestic Objects in Late Antiquity
Contents
Preface
Figures
Abbreviations
Introduction
Structure of This Book
1 Heirloom Objects in Late Antiquity
Defining ‘Heirlooms’
Intentional Heirlooms
Marriage and Dowry
Death and Burial
Texts
Conclusion
2 Gifts in Late Antiquity
Identifying Gift Objects
Wedding Gifts
Other Celebrations
Imperial Gifts
Handmade Gifts
Texts
Conclusion
3 Souvenirs in Late Antiquity
Defining Souvenirs
Secular Late Antique Souvenirs
Souvenirs and ‘Regional Specialities’
Souvenirs of Events
Sacred Souvenirs
Christian Souvenirs: Relics
Christian Souvenirs: Containers
Souvenirs at Home
4 Case Study: Baskets in Late Antiquity
Introduction
Evidence and Scholarship
Baskets and Late Antique Femininity
Baskets as a Pagan Ritual Object
Baskets as a Symbol of Plenty
Baskets and Personal Meaning: Early Christian Monastic Evidence
The Production Process
Basket Making as a Spiritual Activity
Basket Making as an Economic Activity
Baskets as Gifts
Baskets as Souvenirs
Baskets as Heirlooms
Layers of Meaning
Conclusions
Heirlooms
Gifts
Souvenirs
Baskets
Behaviours and Meaningful Material Culture
The Multiplicity of Meaningful Objects: Gift, Heirloom, or Souvenir?
Reconstruction of a Late Antique Home
Bibliography
Ancient Textual Editions and Inscriptions
Modern Sources
Indices
Sources
Themes
People and Divine Beings
Places
Places by Type
Objects: Materials, Function, Form
Objects: Specific and Groups
