Percussion Music in Athenian Religious Rituals and Festivals

Abstract

This paper examines literary descriptions and visual depictions of percussion instruments (cymbals, crotala and tympana) and their players, mainly on vase- paintings, in Athenian religious rituals and festivals. The focus will be on festivities in honor of Adonis (Adonia), Aphrodite (Aphrodisia for Aphrodite Ourania, in the Gardens, Pandemos, Hetaira) and Dionysos (Lenaia, Athesteria). Selected depictions of such events on Attic vases from the Archaic to the Classical times will be presented. This paper aims to highlight their use, their association with the deities and their significance for the worshippers-participants and furthermore for the religious and cultural life of Athens.

Keywords

• percussion music
• dance
• crotala
• cymbal
• tympana
• festival