Dolmen Workshop
The workshop will explore the relationship between megalithic structures (mostly dolmen, but also standing stones) their context and role in rituals as well as use as burials.
When western travellers first encountered dolmens in the Levant, they were astonished by the presence in the Near East of something previously considered unique to the European experience, and this astonishment let to the adoption of the familiar European terms such as dolmen for the megaliths they found. A similar development can be seen in naming large standing stones massebot after a biblical term. In a European perspective diffusionist explanations are sometimes still encountered, while most contemporary archaeologist working in the Near East approach dolmens as part of a pan-Levantine “megalithic phenomenon” of the 4th and 3rd millennia BC. Both perspectives neglect differences in dating, typology and thus most likely function and meaning.
Rituals are part of everyday life as well as religious ceremonies. They are culturally constructed, thus any rituals which might be connected to megalithic structures, will depend on the concrete context. The meaning of rituals will change with time, space and meaning of dolmen, thus the socio-religious landscapes will have different connotations. The workshop will discuss the connections between megalithic structures, landscape and ritual practices.
Programme
|
09.45 |
Opening |
|
10.00 |
Megalithic phenomenon and dolmen traditions |
|
10.45 |
Break |
|
11.00 |
Jebel al Mutawwaq: the Early Bronze Age I dolmen field and settlement |
|
11.45 |
The Ritual Landscape of Murayghat |
|
12.30 |
Lunch |
|
13.30 |
Standing stones, landscapes and cities - stone monuments in the EBA Southern Levant |
|
14.15 |
Dolmen and religion (with discussion) |
|
15.00 |
Break |
|
15.30 |
Megalithic Monuments in Denmark: Identity, affect and atmosphere (with discussion) |
|
16.15 |
Structured Discussion |
|
17.00 |
End |
If you wish to participate, please contact Susanne Kerner.