Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


31708.pdf (72.37 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

The Hellenistic Ceramic “Koine” Revisited

Laftsidis, Alexandros
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2013-3447
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1544096683575033

Abstract Details

2018, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Classics.
This dissertation explores the existence and nature of the concept of the Hellenistic ceramic “koine,” expressed through a large set of commonalities in ceramics throughout the Hellenistic world. The term is a modern invention by researchers working on pottery by analogy with the Hellenistic “koine” (=common) language. Research up to now has adopted two opposing approaches: the first accepts the existence of the Hellenistic ceramic “koine” and encourages the employment of the term without, however, seeking its prior and proper definition and clarification. In contrast, the second approach focuses on undeniable local ceramic particularities, observable in almost every area of the Hellenistic world, seemingly negating the possibility of a ceramic “koine” for the Hellenistic period. My dissertation, instead, offers an innovative look at the concept of the Hellenistic ceramic “koine,” moving away from the polarized positions of global standardization versus local variation. Through the examination of a very large corpus of published pottery from modern Greece, my study demonstrates the existence of a ceramic “koine,” even while admitting numerous local particularities. This “koine” is traced in a large number of common shapes and types of decoration throughout the entire area under consideration. The phenomenon, though, is only observable when one focuses at a general level. At a higher level of magnification, this ceramic “koine” starts to dissolve under the weight of local particularities. I adopt, therefore, a two-pronged approach to resolving this seeming irreconcilability between global standardization and local variation: an initial consideration and elucidation of common ceramic elements at a regional level is followed by an interregional and more panoramic overview. In the latter case the level and focus of the scrutiny to which the assemblages of pottery are subjected are adjusted accordingly. Furthermore, my approach allows some interesting patterns to emerge. For example, it is clear that the majority of shapes that deviate from the Hellenistic ceramic “koine” are drinking vessels, with vases for pouring and serving wine, as well as those for food service, underrepresented among these deviations. The pattern reflects the importance that communal drinking events played in the processes of asserting or renegotiating one’s social status through the “consumption” of these vases. Moreover, my study reveals that, although the ceramic and linguistic “koinai” share several similarities, they cannot be considered parallel phenomena owing to their different formative processes. The real significance of the ceramic “koine” is revealed when it is perceived as a behavioral “koine.” This sort of “koine,” and especially the observed deviations from it, reflect the ability of material expressions of culture to stand as proxies for a desire to retain an earlier identity or appropriate a new one. Consequently, my dissertation offers a significant step towards establishing a better appreciation of the Hellenistic culture globally and locally.
Kathleen Lynch, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Jack Davis, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Eleni Hatzaki, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Susan Rotroff, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
1055 p.
Archaeology
Hellenistic; Ceramic; Koine; Pottery; Greece; Common

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Laftsidis, A. (2018). The Hellenistic Ceramic “Koine” Revisited [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1544096683575033

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Laftsidis, Alexandros. The Hellenistic Ceramic “Koine” Revisited. 2018. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1544096683575033.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Laftsidis, Alexandros. "The Hellenistic Ceramic “Koine” Revisited." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2018. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1544096683575033

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1544096683575033
111
© 2018, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.