Research Perspectives in Greek Coroplastic Studies: The Demeter Paradigm and the Goddess Bias

Abstract

The ubiquitous presence of masses of figurative terracottas in Greek sanctuaries of the Archaic and Classical periods has given rise to their almost universal use as iconographic tools for the identification of cult. A practice that has its roots in the archaeological literature of the late 18th and early 19th century, it has engendered certain research biases that have been difficult to overcome. A review of these biases and their origins could be useful in reorienting the researcher of coroplastic topics away from dangerous preconceptions.

Keywords

• Baron d’Hancarville
• Eduard Gerhard
• Theodor Panofka
• Paolo Orsi
• Demeter
• goddess interpretation