The role of the women in the frescoes from Akrotiri : an examination of the iconography of dress, hairstyle and jewellery

"The excavation of the site of Akrotiri on the ancient island of Thera began in 1967 under Spyridon Marinatos. The discovery of this city, preserved in ash, after the eruption of a volcano, has sparked a debate on the destruction of Akrotiri and the possible links to the destruction of cities on Crete. The frescoes found at Akrotiri are some of the most captivating wall paintings in Greece. The interpretation of these frescoes has become the subject of recent debate and the continuing excavations may yet add more material to the discussion. This thesis examines the roles the women play in the Theran paintings as can be determined by their dress, hairstyle and jewellery. Analogies for each feature are obtained through the study of other wall paintings, seals, gemstones, rings, and figurines, all from Crete and the mainland. Secondary evidence, mostly in the form of later literary material and material from Egypt and the Near East will prove helpful for interpretation. The last chapter presents and critiques the prevalent scholastic interpretations of the paintings: specifically those that deal with the stages in the life of the women. In the conclusions a new interpretation of the frescoes will be presented."