Poupées grecques en images : du jeu au rite

Abstract

Representations of jointed dolls have been identified until now on Attic funerary stelae only, apart from one white-ground Attic lekythos. This paper presents an unknown series of images in South Italian vase painting featuring the manipulation of this type of articulated female figurine in a nuptial context. This group allows us to re-examine the function of these objects outside the sphere of toys and simple entertainment. Different levels of interpretation are combined around such figurines that evoke rites of passage related to Artemis, the benefits of Aphrodite and the dark Hades, the destiny of the bride.

Keywords

• Aphrodite
• Artemis
• doll
• Hades
• nuptial rites