Pictorial Pottery of the LMIA Period on Crete and Thera

Abstract

The present study examines the pictorial style of pottery made in Thera and Crete in the LCI/LMIA period. The work is in two volumes. Volume I is divided into three parts. Part I comprises the introductory chapter in which there is a summary of previous research on the subject and the aims of the thesis are set out. In Chapter II the context of the pictorial style of pottery is examined. Chapter III contains analysis of the forms of vases with pictorial decoration.

Part II includes three chapters dealing with the Analysis of Motifs. The plants are analysed in Chapter IV, the living creatures in Chapter V and the sacred symbols in Chapter VI.

Part III comprises the Synthesis. In Chapter VII an attempt is made to identify pottery workshops specializing in different vase forms and decoration. Chapter VIII examines the origin and character of the pictorial style of pottery in the Cyclades and Crete.

Finally in the last Chapter IX, conclusions regarding the character, context, forms and motifs, workshops and development of the pictorial style pottery are presented. A possible ritual function of the pottery is discussed. Interrelations and influences between the cultures of Thera and Crete on various levels are demonstrated.

Volume II contains a Catalogue of the available pottery, presented in two groups: the first from Thera and the second from Crete. The illustrations---figures and photographic plates---come at the end of Volume II.