Cultural interaction between Knossos and Pediada: the evidence from the Middle Minoan IB pottery

The paper discuss the MM IB tableware produced and consumed at Galatas and Kastelli Pediados and tries to understand cultural interaction between Knossos and the Pediada on the basis of imported Pediada tableware at MM I Knossos. The morphological, decorative, and technological attributes of the tab...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British School at Athens studies 2004-01, Vol.12, p.169-175
Main Authors: Rethemiotakis, Giorgos, Christakis, Kostandinos S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Art pottery
Consumption
Material culture
Palaces
Politeia
Political anthropology
Potters wheels
Pottery
Prestige
Social interaction
Tableware
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Summary:The paper discuss the MM IB tableware produced and consumed at Galatas and Kastelli Pediados and tries to understand cultural interaction between Knossos and the Pediada on the basis of imported Pediada tableware at MM I Knossos. The morphological, decorative, and technological attributes of the tableware used at Galatas and Kastelli show quite clearly that ceramic production in the Pediada region was deeply rooted within an indigenous potting and cultural tradition quite distinctive from that of the major Protopalatial potting centres. By their imitation of metal vessels and quality of manufacture, and through their place in ceremonial and feasting practices, it is clear that the symbolic value of Pediada tableware may have been substantial. We have argued that the consumption of Pediada tableware at Knossos is a vehicle for engendering competition among elite groups. Exchange and consumption of prestige pottery shows the cultural interaction between Knossos and the Pediada, a culturally and perhaps politically independent area. These relationships would change dramatically in the early Neopalatial period when the Pediada was to be completely overwhelmed by the ideological and political dominance of the Knossos polity.
ISSN:2159-4996