Exploring literal and conceptual fragmentation through medieval material culture
Resource type
Abstract
Creator (person)
Blackwell, Alice
Abstract
This paper will explore meaning-rich fragmentation in a medieval context and suggest that relevant theoretical frameworks may be enriched by thinking about different kinds of deconstruction. The breaking and remaking of Christian reliquaries provide one opportunity – viewing things like the Monymusk reliquary not as one object but as many separate components enables phasing to be detected, phasing that in some instances both crystalises and elaborates earlier versions of the object. The enchainment here is between multiples versions of the same object, along with the personal and institutional histories associated with them that are less easy to access. The multivalency of early Christian imagery also provides an alternative perspective on fragmentation. Much as hybridity/entanglement might either be physical (in changes to an object that demonstrate new meaning) or social (wherein an unchanged object is given new meaning through its changed conception or use), so might fragmentation be literal or conceptual. The unravelling of layered motifs requires a mental deconstruction of image and provides opportunities for multiple, simultaneous reconstructions within the mind.
Event title
Theoretical Archaeology Group conference 2022: Revolutions TAG 43, Edinburgh
Publisher
Theoretical Archaeology Group
Place of publication
Edinburgh
Rights statement
In Copyright