#womensstatus — Public Fediverse posts

Reproduction concepts and practices in ancient #Egypt mirrored by modern medicine

by Ronit Haimov-Kochman, et al.
Published 2005

Abstract

The treasured ancient papyri provide a glimpse into understanding of common concepts and practices in ancient Egypt. The Kahun gynecological papyrus and other texts unveil the traditions of reproduction, conception and delivery. This article addresses the rationale of beliefs and practices of that era. Frequently, the reason for common traditions exercised at the time is based on medical knowledge of female anatomy and physiology during pregnancy. Surprisingly some of the remedies commonly used in ancient Egypt were recently explored and found intriguing. This paper was aimed to look at the reflection of archaic practices and concepts of ancient Egypt by the modern mirror of evidence-based medicine.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301211505001685

#KahunPapyrus #AncientEgypt #gynecology #WomensStatus #AncientWomen #History #AncientHistory #Histodon

Reproduction concepts and practices in ancient #Egypt mirrored by modern medicine

by Ronit Haimov-Kochman, et al.
Published 2005

Abstract

The treasured ancient papyri provide a glimpse into understanding of common concepts and practices in ancient Egypt. The Kahun gynecological papyrus and other texts unveil the traditions of reproduction, conception and delivery. This article addresses the rationale of beliefs and practices of that era. Frequently, the reason for common traditions exercised at the time is based on medical knowledge of female anatomy and physiology during pregnancy. Surprisingly some of the remedies commonly used in ancient Egypt were recently explored and found intriguing. This paper was aimed to look at the reflection of archaic practices and concepts of ancient Egypt by the modern mirror of evidence-based medicine.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301211505001685

#KahunPapyrus #AncientEgypt #gynecology #WomensStatus #AncientWomen #History #AncientHistory #Histodon

Reproduction concepts and practices in ancient #Egypt mirrored by modern medicine

by Ronit Haimov-Kochman, et al.
Published 2005

Abstract

The treasured ancient papyri provide a glimpse into understanding of common concepts and practices in ancient Egypt. The Kahun gynecological papyrus and other texts unveil the traditions of reproduction, conception and delivery. This article addresses the rationale of beliefs and practices of that era. Frequently, the reason for common traditions exercised at the time is based on medical knowledge of female anatomy and physiology during pregnancy. Surprisingly some of the remedies commonly used in ancient Egypt were recently explored and found intriguing. This paper was aimed to look at the reflection of archaic practices and concepts of ancient Egypt by the modern mirror of evidence-based medicine.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301211505001685

#KahunPapyrus #AncientEgypt #gynecology #WomensStatus #AncientWomen #History #AncientHistory #Histodon

Reproduction concepts and practices in ancient #Egypt mirrored by modern medicine

by Ronit Haimov-Kochman, et al.
Published 2005

Abstract

The treasured ancient papyri provide a glimpse into understanding of common concepts and practices in ancient Egypt. The Kahun gynecological papyrus and other texts unveil the traditions of reproduction, conception and delivery. This article addresses the rationale of beliefs and practices of that era. Frequently, the reason for common traditions exercised at the time is based on medical knowledge of female anatomy and physiology during pregnancy. Surprisingly some of the remedies commonly used in ancient Egypt were recently explored and found intriguing. This paper was aimed to look at the reflection of archaic practices and concepts of ancient Egypt by the modern mirror of evidence-based medicine.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301211505001685

#KahunPapyrus #AncientEgypt #gynecology #WomensStatus #AncientWomen #History #AncientHistory #Histodon

Reproduction concepts and practices in ancient #Egypt mirrored by modern medicine

by Ronit Haimov-Kochman, et al.
Published 2005

Abstract

The treasured ancient papyri provide a glimpse into understanding of common concepts and practices in ancient Egypt. The Kahun gynecological papyrus and other texts unveil the traditions of reproduction, conception and delivery. This article addresses the rationale of beliefs and practices of that era. Frequently, the reason for common traditions exercised at the time is based on medical knowledge of female anatomy and physiology during pregnancy. Surprisingly some of the remedies commonly used in ancient Egypt were recently explored and found intriguing. This paper was aimed to look at the reflection of archaic practices and concepts of ancient Egypt by the modern mirror of evidence-based medicine.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301211505001685

#KahunPapyrus #AncientEgypt #gynecology #WomensStatus #AncientWomen #History #AncientHistory #Histodon

Excerpt from: Female Property Ownership and Status in Classical and Hellenistic #Sparta

Stephen Hodkinson
University of Manchester
July 2020

The question of property-holding by Spartiate women is a matter of controversy, partly due to the paucity and brevity of explicit statements in the ancient sources. It is clear, however, that women were 3
significant holders of landed property. The key piece of evidence is #Aristotle’s statement (Politics 1270a23-
5), made in the later fourth century, that,

… approximately [or “nearly” (schedon)] two-fifths of all the land is possessed by women (esti tôn gynaikôn), both because of many heiresses (epiklêrôn) that appear, and because of the practice of giving large #dowries.

By “heiresses” Aristotle means daughters who inherited their parents’ property in the absence of any sons.
His reference to large landed dowries, however, indicates that even daughters with brothers could expect to
receive significant amounts of land at the time of marriage. Some scholars believe that these dowries were
voluntaristic marriage-settlements given by a girl’s parents, their size being a reflection of competition for
high-status marriages (Cartledge 1981, 98). My own interpretation is that the dowry was not merely a
voluntary gift but an anticipation of the daughter’s rightful share of the inheritance. My suggestion is that a Spartiate daughter had rights of inheritance similar to the inheritance rights of daughters specified in the Law
Code of Gortyn in Crete (Link, this volume): namely, half the portion given to a son.5 I have termed this inheritance system “universal female inheritance,” inasmuch as every woman gained some landed inheritance from her parents, either receiving a half-portion in a division with her brother(s) or inheriting as sole heiress
or jointly on equal terms with her sister(s). Aristotle’s comments above relate to inheritance of land. We do
not know whether Sparta’s inheritance laws reserved any items of property specifically for male heirs, as did
the Gortyn Code, which excluded town houses, the contents of untenanted country houses, and livestock
from the daughter’s half-portion. As we shall see below, however, there is evidence for female possession of
the full range of movable property mentioned above...

Source:
https://chs.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/women_property_hodkinson.pdf

#SpartanWomen #WomensRights #WomensStatus #History #AncientSparta #Histodons

Excerpt from: Female Property Ownership and Status in Classical and Hellenistic #Sparta

Stephen Hodkinson
University of Manchester
July 2020

The question of property-holding by Spartiate women is a matter of controversy, partly due to the paucity and brevity of explicit statements in the ancient sources. It is clear, however, that women were 3
significant holders of landed property. The key piece of evidence is #Aristotle’s statement (Politics 1270a23-
5), made in the later fourth century, that,

… approximately [or “nearly” (schedon)] two-fifths of all the land is possessed by women (esti tôn gynaikôn), both because of many heiresses (epiklêrôn) that appear, and because of the practice of giving large #dowries.

By “heiresses” Aristotle means daughters who inherited their parents’ property in the absence of any sons.
His reference to large landed dowries, however, indicates that even daughters with brothers could expect to
receive significant amounts of land at the time of marriage. Some scholars believe that these dowries were
voluntaristic marriage-settlements given by a girl’s parents, their size being a reflection of competition for
high-status marriages (Cartledge 1981, 98). My own interpretation is that the dowry was not merely a
voluntary gift but an anticipation of the daughter’s rightful share of the inheritance. My suggestion is that a Spartiate daughter had rights of inheritance similar to the inheritance rights of daughters specified in the Law
Code of Gortyn in Crete (Link, this volume): namely, half the portion given to a son.5 I have termed this inheritance system “universal female inheritance,” inasmuch as every woman gained some landed inheritance from her parents, either receiving a half-portion in a division with her brother(s) or inheriting as sole heiress
or jointly on equal terms with her sister(s). Aristotle’s comments above relate to inheritance of land. We do
not know whether Sparta’s inheritance laws reserved any items of property specifically for male heirs, as did
the Gortyn Code, which excluded town houses, the contents of untenanted country houses, and livestock
from the daughter’s half-portion. As we shall see below, however, there is evidence for female possession of
the full range of movable property mentioned above...

Source:
https://chs.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/women_property_hodkinson.pdf

#SpartanWomen #WomensRights #WomensStatus #History #AncientSparta #Histodons

Excerpt from: Female Property Ownership and Status in Classical and Hellenistic #Sparta

Stephen Hodkinson
University of Manchester
July 2020

The question of property-holding by Spartiate women is a matter of controversy, partly due to the paucity and brevity of explicit statements in the ancient sources. It is clear, however, that women were 3
significant holders of landed property. The key piece of evidence is #Aristotle’s statement (Politics 1270a23-
5), made in the later fourth century, that,

… approximately [or “nearly” (schedon)] two-fifths of all the land is possessed by women (esti tôn gynaikôn), both because of many heiresses (epiklêrôn) that appear, and because of the practice of giving large #dowries.

By “heiresses” Aristotle means daughters who inherited their parents’ property in the absence of any sons.
His reference to large landed dowries, however, indicates that even daughters with brothers could expect to
receive significant amounts of land at the time of marriage. Some scholars believe that these dowries were
voluntaristic marriage-settlements given by a girl’s parents, their size being a reflection of competition for
high-status marriages (Cartledge 1981, 98). My own interpretation is that the dowry was not merely a
voluntary gift but an anticipation of the daughter’s rightful share of the inheritance. My suggestion is that a Spartiate daughter had rights of inheritance similar to the inheritance rights of daughters specified in the Law
Code of Gortyn in Crete (Link, this volume): namely, half the portion given to a son.5 I have termed this inheritance system “universal female inheritance,” inasmuch as every woman gained some landed inheritance from her parents, either receiving a half-portion in a division with her brother(s) or inheriting as sole heiress
or jointly on equal terms with her sister(s). Aristotle’s comments above relate to inheritance of land. We do
not know whether Sparta’s inheritance laws reserved any items of property specifically for male heirs, as did
the Gortyn Code, which excluded town houses, the contents of untenanted country houses, and livestock
from the daughter’s half-portion. As we shall see below, however, there is evidence for female possession of
the full range of movable property mentioned above...

Source:
https://chs.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/women_property_hodkinson.pdf

#SpartanWomen #WomensRights #WomensStatus #History #AncientSparta #Histodons

Excerpt from: Female Property Ownership and Status in Classical and Hellenistic #Sparta

Stephen Hodkinson
University of Manchester
July 2020

The question of property-holding by Spartiate women is a matter of controversy, partly due to the paucity and brevity of explicit statements in the ancient sources. It is clear, however, that women were 3
significant holders of landed property. The key piece of evidence is #Aristotle’s statement (Politics 1270a23-
5), made in the later fourth century, that,

… approximately [or “nearly” (schedon)] two-fifths of all the land is possessed by women (esti tôn gynaikôn), both because of many heiresses (epiklêrôn) that appear, and because of the practice of giving large #dowries.

By “heiresses” Aristotle means daughters who inherited their parents’ property in the absence of any sons.
His reference to large landed dowries, however, indicates that even daughters with brothers could expect to
receive significant amounts of land at the time of marriage. Some scholars believe that these dowries were
voluntaristic marriage-settlements given by a girl’s parents, their size being a reflection of competition for
high-status marriages (Cartledge 1981, 98). My own interpretation is that the dowry was not merely a
voluntary gift but an anticipation of the daughter’s rightful share of the inheritance. My suggestion is that a Spartiate daughter had rights of inheritance similar to the inheritance rights of daughters specified in the Law
Code of Gortyn in Crete (Link, this volume): namely, half the portion given to a son.5 I have termed this inheritance system “universal female inheritance,” inasmuch as every woman gained some landed inheritance from her parents, either receiving a half-portion in a division with her brother(s) or inheriting as sole heiress
or jointly on equal terms with her sister(s). Aristotle’s comments above relate to inheritance of land. We do
not know whether Sparta’s inheritance laws reserved any items of property specifically for male heirs, as did
the Gortyn Code, which excluded town houses, the contents of untenanted country houses, and livestock
from the daughter’s half-portion. As we shall see below, however, there is evidence for female possession of
the full range of movable property mentioned above...

Source:
https://chs.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/women_property_hodkinson.pdf

#SpartanWomen #WomensRights #WomensStatus #History #AncientSparta #Histodons

Excerpt from: Female Property Ownership and Status in Classical and Hellenistic #Sparta

Stephen Hodkinson
University of Manchester
July 2020

The question of property-holding by Spartiate women is a matter of controversy, partly due to the paucity and brevity of explicit statements in the ancient sources. It is clear, however, that women were 3
significant holders of landed property. The key piece of evidence is #Aristotle’s statement (Politics 1270a23-
5), made in the later fourth century, that,

… approximately [or “nearly” (schedon)] two-fifths of all the land is possessed by women (esti tôn gynaikôn), both because of many heiresses (epiklêrôn) that appear, and because of the practice of giving large #dowries.

By “heiresses” Aristotle means daughters who inherited their parents’ property in the absence of any sons.
His reference to large landed dowries, however, indicates that even daughters with brothers could expect to
receive significant amounts of land at the time of marriage. Some scholars believe that these dowries were
voluntaristic marriage-settlements given by a girl’s parents, their size being a reflection of competition for
high-status marriages (Cartledge 1981, 98). My own interpretation is that the dowry was not merely a
voluntary gift but an anticipation of the daughter’s rightful share of the inheritance. My suggestion is that a Spartiate daughter had rights of inheritance similar to the inheritance rights of daughters specified in the Law
Code of Gortyn in Crete (Link, this volume): namely, half the portion given to a son.5 I have termed this inheritance system “universal female inheritance,” inasmuch as every woman gained some landed inheritance from her parents, either receiving a half-portion in a division with her brother(s) or inheriting as sole heiress
or jointly on equal terms with her sister(s). Aristotle’s comments above relate to inheritance of land. We do
not know whether Sparta’s inheritance laws reserved any items of property specifically for male heirs, as did
the Gortyn Code, which excluded town houses, the contents of untenanted country houses, and livestock
from the daughter’s half-portion. As we shall see below, however, there is evidence for female possession of
the full range of movable property mentioned above...

Source:
https://chs.harvard.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/women_property_hodkinson.pdf

#SpartanWomen #WomensRights #WomensStatus #History #AncientSparta #Histodons

#Minoan #Crete: The #WomenRulers

27/07/2021

In Minoan times, women had critical roles in society, holding positions of great power.

John G. Younger, Professor of Classics at The University of Kansas, is one of the several scholars who recognize the importance of the Minoan women in ancient Crete:

“Basically, this culture on Crete around 1600-1500 BCE is the closest candidate for a matriarchy that we have. That’s huge,” he noted. “In this culture, at this time, we have an awful lot of representations of what are obviously powerful women, single-seated women flanked by a bunch of guys.”

Younger studied Minoan artifacts unearthed on Crete to discover that women were usually portrayed in elaborate clothing on pottery and frescoes, while men wore significantly fewer garments (a loincloth and some accessories). They were also seated, signifying a position of power:

“In this culture, at this time, we have an awful lot of representations of what are obviously powerful women, single seated women flanked by a bunch of guys,” Younger said. “We don’t have a single representation of a seated man.”

Barbara A. Olsen, Associate Professor of Greek and Roman Studies at the Vassar College in New York and author of “Women in Mycenaean Greece: The Linear B Tablets from Pylos and Knossos,” suggests that Minoan women had more critical roles than child rearing:

“We see in Minoan iconography images of women in more public contexts: occupying prominent spacial positions in outdoor assemblies and processions, interacting with each other either in conversations or in dance, and acting in religious contexts either as individual worshipers or as officials involved in sacrificial rituals. Above all, emphasis is on the social rather than the biological, the public rather than the domestic.”

Among the iconographic representations of women from the Minoan era, two stand out: the Snake Goddess and the Ladies in Blue.

The Snake Goddess

Sir Arthur Evans unearthed two faience figurines representing the Snake Goddess and possibly a Snake Priestess during the Knossos Palace in 1903. They date from the Neopalatial period of the Minoan civilization (circa 1750-1490 BC). The snake probably had a protective role during that time, symbolizing the household’s welfare and rebirth or the renewal of life (as the snake sheds its skin periodically, it was probably believed to be an immortal being). The Snake Goddess was also identified as a Household Goddess. Worshipers of the goddess most likely used the two faience figurines in rituals.

“Besides the ritual function, they are among the best examples of Minoan art with its dominant features — naturalism and grace. They are presented as the ladies of the palace court, dressed in typical Minoan clothes, with a long skirt (flounced, or with an apron) and a tight open bodice,” writes Dr. Alena Trckova-Flamee.

The garments worn by the Snake Goddess appear in other visual representations of Minoan women from that era.
Ladies in Blue

The Ladies in Blue are three portraits on a fresco discovered at the Palace of Knossos by Sir Arthur Evans and recreated by him to give an idea of how Minoan royalty probably dressed before the extinction of this mysterious civilization. The three ladies of the court wear lavish garments, jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles. The fresco is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

“Despite its fragmentary condition, the wall painting transmits the sense of opulence and prosperity of the royal court while reflecting the coquetry of the ladies, who gesture displaying the richness of their jewelry,” the official site of the museum notes.

These are just some examples in art showing the importance women had in the Minoan civilization. Women ruled the land and the household, while men were fearless seafarers.

https://blog.thesyntopiahotel.gr/minoan-crete-the-women-rulers/

#Knossos #Matriarchy #AncientCrete #WomensRights #WomensStatus #History #Histodon

#Minoan #Crete: The #WomenRulers

27/07/2021

In Minoan times, women had critical roles in society, holding positions of great power.

John G. Younger, Professor of Classics at The University of Kansas, is one of the several scholars who recognize the importance of the Minoan women in ancient Crete:

“Basically, this culture on Crete around 1600-1500 BCE is the closest candidate for a matriarchy that we have. That’s huge,” he noted. “In this culture, at this time, we have an awful lot of representations of what are obviously powerful women, single-seated women flanked by a bunch of guys.”

Younger studied Minoan artifacts unearthed on Crete to discover that women were usually portrayed in elaborate clothing on pottery and frescoes, while men wore significantly fewer garments (a loincloth and some accessories). They were also seated, signifying a position of power:

“In this culture, at this time, we have an awful lot of representations of what are obviously powerful women, single seated women flanked by a bunch of guys,” Younger said. “We don’t have a single representation of a seated man.”

Barbara A. Olsen, Associate Professor of Greek and Roman Studies at the Vassar College in New York and author of “Women in Mycenaean Greece: The Linear B Tablets from Pylos and Knossos,” suggests that Minoan women had more critical roles than child rearing:

“We see in Minoan iconography images of women in more public contexts: occupying prominent spacial positions in outdoor assemblies and processions, interacting with each other either in conversations or in dance, and acting in religious contexts either as individual worshipers or as officials involved in sacrificial rituals. Above all, emphasis is on the social rather than the biological, the public rather than the domestic.”

Among the iconographic representations of women from the Minoan era, two stand out: the Snake Goddess and the Ladies in Blue.

The Snake Goddess

Sir Arthur Evans unearthed two faience figurines representing the Snake Goddess and possibly a Snake Priestess during the Knossos Palace in 1903. They date from the Neopalatial period of the Minoan civilization (circa 1750-1490 BC). The snake probably had a protective role during that time, symbolizing the household’s welfare and rebirth or the renewal of life (as the snake sheds its skin periodically, it was probably believed to be an immortal being). The Snake Goddess was also identified as a Household Goddess. Worshipers of the goddess most likely used the two faience figurines in rituals.

“Besides the ritual function, they are among the best examples of Minoan art with its dominant features — naturalism and grace. They are presented as the ladies of the palace court, dressed in typical Minoan clothes, with a long skirt (flounced, or with an apron) and a tight open bodice,” writes Dr. Alena Trckova-Flamee.

The garments worn by the Snake Goddess appear in other visual representations of Minoan women from that era.
Ladies in Blue

The Ladies in Blue are three portraits on a fresco discovered at the Palace of Knossos by Sir Arthur Evans and recreated by him to give an idea of how Minoan royalty probably dressed before the extinction of this mysterious civilization. The three ladies of the court wear lavish garments, jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles. The fresco is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

“Despite its fragmentary condition, the wall painting transmits the sense of opulence and prosperity of the royal court while reflecting the coquetry of the ladies, who gesture displaying the richness of their jewelry,” the official site of the museum notes.

These are just some examples in art showing the importance women had in the Minoan civilization. Women ruled the land and the household, while men were fearless seafarers.

https://blog.thesyntopiahotel.gr/minoan-crete-the-women-rulers/

#Knossos #Matriarchy #AncientCrete #WomensRights #WomensStatus #History #Histodon

#Minoan #Crete: The #WomenRulers

27/07/2021

In Minoan times, women had critical roles in society, holding positions of great power.

John G. Younger, Professor of Classics at The University of Kansas, is one of the several scholars who recognize the importance of the Minoan women in ancient Crete:

“Basically, this culture on Crete around 1600-1500 BCE is the closest candidate for a matriarchy that we have. That’s huge,” he noted. “In this culture, at this time, we have an awful lot of representations of what are obviously powerful women, single-seated women flanked by a bunch of guys.”

Younger studied Minoan artifacts unearthed on Crete to discover that women were usually portrayed in elaborate clothing on pottery and frescoes, while men wore significantly fewer garments (a loincloth and some accessories). They were also seated, signifying a position of power:

“In this culture, at this time, we have an awful lot of representations of what are obviously powerful women, single seated women flanked by a bunch of guys,” Younger said. “We don’t have a single representation of a seated man.”

Barbara A. Olsen, Associate Professor of Greek and Roman Studies at the Vassar College in New York and author of “Women in Mycenaean Greece: The Linear B Tablets from Pylos and Knossos,” suggests that Minoan women had more critical roles than child rearing:

“We see in Minoan iconography images of women in more public contexts: occupying prominent spacial positions in outdoor assemblies and processions, interacting with each other either in conversations or in dance, and acting in religious contexts either as individual worshipers or as officials involved in sacrificial rituals. Above all, emphasis is on the social rather than the biological, the public rather than the domestic.”

Among the iconographic representations of women from the Minoan era, two stand out: the Snake Goddess and the Ladies in Blue.

The Snake Goddess

Sir Arthur Evans unearthed two faience figurines representing the Snake Goddess and possibly a Snake Priestess during the Knossos Palace in 1903. They date from the Neopalatial period of the Minoan civilization (circa 1750-1490 BC). The snake probably had a protective role during that time, symbolizing the household’s welfare and rebirth or the renewal of life (as the snake sheds its skin periodically, it was probably believed to be an immortal being). The Snake Goddess was also identified as a Household Goddess. Worshipers of the goddess most likely used the two faience figurines in rituals.

“Besides the ritual function, they are among the best examples of Minoan art with its dominant features — naturalism and grace. They are presented as the ladies of the palace court, dressed in typical Minoan clothes, with a long skirt (flounced, or with an apron) and a tight open bodice,” writes Dr. Alena Trckova-Flamee.

The garments worn by the Snake Goddess appear in other visual representations of Minoan women from that era.
Ladies in Blue

The Ladies in Blue are three portraits on a fresco discovered at the Palace of Knossos by Sir Arthur Evans and recreated by him to give an idea of how Minoan royalty probably dressed before the extinction of this mysterious civilization. The three ladies of the court wear lavish garments, jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles. The fresco is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

“Despite its fragmentary condition, the wall painting transmits the sense of opulence and prosperity of the royal court while reflecting the coquetry of the ladies, who gesture displaying the richness of their jewelry,” the official site of the museum notes.

These are just some examples in art showing the importance women had in the Minoan civilization. Women ruled the land and the household, while men were fearless seafarers.

https://blog.thesyntopiahotel.gr/minoan-crete-the-women-rulers/

#Knossos #Matriarchy #AncientCrete #WomensRights #WomensStatus #History #Histodon

#Minoan #Crete: The #WomenRulers

27/07/2021

In Minoan times, women had critical roles in society, holding positions of great power.

John G. Younger, Professor of Classics at The University of Kansas, is one of the several scholars who recognize the importance of the Minoan women in ancient Crete:

“Basically, this culture on Crete around 1600-1500 BCE is the closest candidate for a matriarchy that we have. That’s huge,” he noted. “In this culture, at this time, we have an awful lot of representations of what are obviously powerful women, single-seated women flanked by a bunch of guys.”

Younger studied Minoan artifacts unearthed on Crete to discover that women were usually portrayed in elaborate clothing on pottery and frescoes, while men wore significantly fewer garments (a loincloth and some accessories). They were also seated, signifying a position of power:

“In this culture, at this time, we have an awful lot of representations of what are obviously powerful women, single seated women flanked by a bunch of guys,” Younger said. “We don’t have a single representation of a seated man.”

Barbara A. Olsen, Associate Professor of Greek and Roman Studies at the Vassar College in New York and author of “Women in Mycenaean Greece: The Linear B Tablets from Pylos and Knossos,” suggests that Minoan women had more critical roles than child rearing:

“We see in Minoan iconography images of women in more public contexts: occupying prominent spacial positions in outdoor assemblies and processions, interacting with each other either in conversations or in dance, and acting in religious contexts either as individual worshipers or as officials involved in sacrificial rituals. Above all, emphasis is on the social rather than the biological, the public rather than the domestic.”

Among the iconographic representations of women from the Minoan era, two stand out: the Snake Goddess and the Ladies in Blue.

The Snake Goddess

Sir Arthur Evans unearthed two faience figurines representing the Snake Goddess and possibly a Snake Priestess during the Knossos Palace in 1903. They date from the Neopalatial period of the Minoan civilization (circa 1750-1490 BC). The snake probably had a protective role during that time, symbolizing the household’s welfare and rebirth or the renewal of life (as the snake sheds its skin periodically, it was probably believed to be an immortal being). The Snake Goddess was also identified as a Household Goddess. Worshipers of the goddess most likely used the two faience figurines in rituals.

“Besides the ritual function, they are among the best examples of Minoan art with its dominant features — naturalism and grace. They are presented as the ladies of the palace court, dressed in typical Minoan clothes, with a long skirt (flounced, or with an apron) and a tight open bodice,” writes Dr. Alena Trckova-Flamee.

The garments worn by the Snake Goddess appear in other visual representations of Minoan women from that era.
Ladies in Blue

The Ladies in Blue are three portraits on a fresco discovered at the Palace of Knossos by Sir Arthur Evans and recreated by him to give an idea of how Minoan royalty probably dressed before the extinction of this mysterious civilization. The three ladies of the court wear lavish garments, jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles. The fresco is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

“Despite its fragmentary condition, the wall painting transmits the sense of opulence and prosperity of the royal court while reflecting the coquetry of the ladies, who gesture displaying the richness of their jewelry,” the official site of the museum notes.

These are just some examples in art showing the importance women had in the Minoan civilization. Women ruled the land and the household, while men were fearless seafarers.

https://blog.thesyntopiahotel.gr/minoan-crete-the-women-rulers/

#Knossos #Matriarchy #AncientCrete #WomensRights #WomensStatus #History #Histodon

#Minoan #Crete: The #WomenRulers

27/07/2021

In Minoan times, women had critical roles in society, holding positions of great power.

John G. Younger, Professor of Classics at The University of Kansas, is one of the several scholars who recognize the importance of the Minoan women in ancient Crete:

“Basically, this culture on Crete around 1600-1500 BCE is the closest candidate for a matriarchy that we have. That’s huge,” he noted. “In this culture, at this time, we have an awful lot of representations of what are obviously powerful women, single-seated women flanked by a bunch of guys.”

Younger studied Minoan artifacts unearthed on Crete to discover that women were usually portrayed in elaborate clothing on pottery and frescoes, while men wore significantly fewer garments (a loincloth and some accessories). They were also seated, signifying a position of power:

“In this culture, at this time, we have an awful lot of representations of what are obviously powerful women, single seated women flanked by a bunch of guys,” Younger said. “We don’t have a single representation of a seated man.”

Barbara A. Olsen, Associate Professor of Greek and Roman Studies at the Vassar College in New York and author of “Women in Mycenaean Greece: The Linear B Tablets from Pylos and Knossos,” suggests that Minoan women had more critical roles than child rearing:

“We see in Minoan iconography images of women in more public contexts: occupying prominent spacial positions in outdoor assemblies and processions, interacting with each other either in conversations or in dance, and acting in religious contexts either as individual worshipers or as officials involved in sacrificial rituals. Above all, emphasis is on the social rather than the biological, the public rather than the domestic.”

Among the iconographic representations of women from the Minoan era, two stand out: the Snake Goddess and the Ladies in Blue.

The Snake Goddess

Sir Arthur Evans unearthed two faience figurines representing the Snake Goddess and possibly a Snake Priestess during the Knossos Palace in 1903. They date from the Neopalatial period of the Minoan civilization (circa 1750-1490 BC). The snake probably had a protective role during that time, symbolizing the household’s welfare and rebirth or the renewal of life (as the snake sheds its skin periodically, it was probably believed to be an immortal being). The Snake Goddess was also identified as a Household Goddess. Worshipers of the goddess most likely used the two faience figurines in rituals.

“Besides the ritual function, they are among the best examples of Minoan art with its dominant features — naturalism and grace. They are presented as the ladies of the palace court, dressed in typical Minoan clothes, with a long skirt (flounced, or with an apron) and a tight open bodice,” writes Dr. Alena Trckova-Flamee.

The garments worn by the Snake Goddess appear in other visual representations of Minoan women from that era.
Ladies in Blue

The Ladies in Blue are three portraits on a fresco discovered at the Palace of Knossos by Sir Arthur Evans and recreated by him to give an idea of how Minoan royalty probably dressed before the extinction of this mysterious civilization. The three ladies of the court wear lavish garments, jewelry, and elaborate hairstyles. The fresco is currently on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.

“Despite its fragmentary condition, the wall painting transmits the sense of opulence and prosperity of the royal court while reflecting the coquetry of the ladies, who gesture displaying the richness of their jewelry,” the official site of the museum notes.

These are just some examples in art showing the importance women had in the Minoan civilization. Women ruled the land and the household, while men were fearless seafarers.

https://blog.thesyntopiahotel.gr/minoan-crete-the-women-rulers/

#Knossos #Matriarchy #AncientCrete #WomensRights #WomensStatus #History #Histodon

'A really grim situation': Domestic violence rates soar during pandemic New data proves terrifying predictions of skyrocketing domestic violence rates in the Illawarra as welfare agencies plead for more support. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-21/domestic-violence-rates-soar-during-pandemic/12569710 #GovernmentandPolitics #DiseasesandDisorders #CommunityandSociety #DomesticViolence #StateParliament #Women'sHealth #WomensStatus #RuralWomen #COVID-19 #Health #Women

'A really grim situation': Domestic violence rates soar during pandemic New data proves terrifying predictions of skyrocketing domestic violence rates in the Illawarra as welfare agencies plead for more support. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-08-21/domestic-violence-rates-soar-during-pandemic/12569710 #GovernmentandPolitics #DiseasesandDisorders #CommunityandSociety #DomesticViolence #StateParliament #Women'sHealth #WomensStatus #RuralWomen #COVID-19 #Health #Women

From London to central Australia: How typist Minnie Berrington became an outback opal hunter Minnie Berrington swapped the quiet life for one of heat, sweat and wonder in outback Australia's opal fields. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-25/how-london-typist-minnie-berrington-became-an-opal-miner/11886556 #ArtsandEntertainment #CommunityandSociety #Mining(Rural) #WomensStatus #Film(Movies) #RuralTourism #RuralWomen #Regional #History #Rural #Women

When your classroom smells like manure: Schoolgirls thrive in hands-on ag program Forging a career in agriculture might seem tricky during a period of record drought, but a cohort of schoolgirls say they are not deterred by all the grim talk of future farming. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-30/drought-not-stopping-young-women-from-chasing-a-career-in-ag/11832080 #WomenInAgriculture #WomensStatus #RuralWomen #RuralYouth #Livestock #Education

Nepali girls still forced to sleep in menstruation huts, with sometimes fatal consequences A study finds 77 per cent of Nepalese girls are being banished to "menstruation huts", where they face extreme weather, animal attacks and sexual violence, despite the custom having been outlawed. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-12-10/menstruation-huts-still-common-practice-in-nepal/11772464 #WomenReligious #Women'sHealth #WomensStatus #RuralWomen #Hinduism #Women

Climate change will hit women in hot spots hardest Environmental stress negatively impacts women's ability to make meaningful decisions in climate change hotspots in Africa and Asia, according to new research. https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2019-11-26/climate-change-worse-women/11735842 #AnthropologyandSociology #ScienceandTechnology #WomenInAgriculture #Women'sHealth #ClimateChange #WomensStatus #GenderRoles #Environment #Women

'If I buy two I can't feed my kids': The Pacific women getting a lift from millions of donated bras Bras can be considered as a luxury item for Pacific women, who would rather prioritise feeding their children than getting the support they need. But an Australian NGO has tried to help those who need them most in the region. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-08-16/pacific-women-supported-by-millions-of-donated-bras/11412234 #CommunityandSociety #Women'sHealth #SocialSystems #WomensStatus

All-women rockers Which Witch celebrate 30 years of just wanting to have fun Fame has not interested this band across their three decades as much as encouraging women to play music, dance and have fun. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-24/which-witch-celebrate-30-years-of-rock-and-roll/11134262 #ArtsandEntertainment #CommunityandSociety #WomensStatus #RuralWomen #Music #Rural #Women

How the 'rebel women' of Broken Hill helped shape the early union movement From leading marches on horseback, to insulting police officers and starting their own hospitals 'rebel women' in Broken Hill helped shape the mining town and the union movement in Australia. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05-03/rebel-women-of-broken-hill-shaped-union-movement/11062436 #MiningIndustry #Mining(Rural) #WomensStatus #HumanRights #History #Unions #Rights

Associated Country Women of the World meet to give rural women a voice Forget the scones with jam and cream, country women from around the world are working together to empower women and improve their rights. https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2019-04-09/associated-country-women-of-the-world-changing-rural-lives/10981382 #CommunityandSociety #WomensStatus #RuralWomen #Rural #Women