Between Adornment and Symbolism: Jewellery as an Expression of Identity, Cultural Contacts and Technological Development in the Aegean Bronze Age

• Applicant: Dr. Magda Pieniazek
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology ; Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 561384732

It cannot be denied that jewellery played a significant role in the culture of past societies. Its importance is clearly demonstrated by the repertoire of grave goods in almost every Bronze Age cemetery. In the Aegean and throughout the eastern Mediterranean, both jewellery and the raw materials used to make it were the subject of transregional trade and gift exchange. Frescoes and other iconographic sources also speak in favour of the multi-layered significance of the necklaces, diadems and pendants. But what was their exact meaning? We can surmise that symbolic content and messages were concealed behind the obvious aesthetic qualities. Shine, colour, exoticism, unusual shape and quality of workmanship or durability of the material were and are important features, but this group of objects should not be reduced to these alone. Jewellery could express the social status of the wearer, as well as marital status, age or identity in a narrower and broader sense. However, it is also possible that dress and body ornaments had a metaphysical function, such as an amulet-like one. This is conceivable with regard to Bronze Age gemstones such as carnelian, agate, rock crystal or amethyst - which were among the most exotic and prestigious materials of the time. An analysis of the distribution patterns of gemstone jewellery or seals reveals striking regularities that point to the different meanings of these objects and raw materials. Symbolic content is evident in the case of relief beads made of glass and gold, due to the figurative, floral and other specific representations they bear. It can be assumed that they were also an expression of local symbolism and identity. Furthermore, the distribution patterns of the jewellery are important sources for researching Bronze Age exchange mechanisms. Analyses of the manufacturing techniques provide significant insights into the local introduction and dissemination of technological innovations.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants