Immigrants, imports, and problems in the study of influence: Archaeological evidence for artistic transmission from the Near East to Crete, ca. 1100-ca. 700 B.C.--with special reference to the Tekke jewelry.

Abstract

This dissertation examines the material evidence for Near Eastern artistic influence on Iron Age Crete and establishes methodological and theoretical criteria for influence studies. The study of ancient artistic influence relies on the analysis of objects and their archaeological context. This study catalogues and analyses published Near Eastern imports to Crete ca. 1100-ca. 700 B.C.; investigates the material evidence for foreigners on Crete; considers possible mechanisms of transmission; and assesses assumptions found in influence studies. The collection of Near Eastern imports indicates a lively Near Eastern trade and thus an interest in Eastern objects. Imports come primarily from Cyprus, Syria, and Phoenicia and are concentrated around Knossos and the Idaean Cave, however, there are also imports from Egypt, Cilicia, and perhaps Luristan. Examination of the Idaean ivories, the Kommos tripillar shrine, unguent jars from Knossos, unusual burials and artistic imitations from Aphrati, and the Idaean bronze reliefs (all thought to indicate the presence of immigrants) uncovers no certain instances of foreigners. Based on the technical expertise of production, the Idaean bronzes provide the most convincing evidence for foreigners on Crete. The Tekke jewelry--objects exhibiting similarly complex technical skill to the Idaean bronze reliefs--provides an exercise in studying a particular instance of influence. Neither context nor material, however, provide unequivocal evidence of foreign presence. Issues revealed by their investigation, nevertheless, indicate the need for systemization of approach allowing individual studies to be mutually beneficial.