Before art: The fusion of religion, sexuality, and aesthetics in agrarian Mesopotamia.
Item
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Title
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Before art: The fusion of religion, sexuality, and aesthetics in agrarian Mesopotamia.
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Identifier
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AAI3311251
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identifier
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3311251
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Creator
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Guevara, Nancy.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Roslyn Bologh
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Date
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2008
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Sociology, Social Structure and Development | History, Ancient | Religion, History of | Theater
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Abstract
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This dissertation claims that art as we commonly understand it---as primarily an aesthetic product and endeavor---is a relatively recent invention that surfaced gradually over many centuries as part of a complex process that Max Weber identified as 'rationalization' (demagification/disenchantment). This work looks at art before it existed as a separate sphere of activity and meaning; specifically, before it became separated from religion and sexuality. It examines pre-modern modes of representation in agrarian Mesopotamia (the first major civilization of which we have record) and describes how art was integral to the most significant religious and social rituals of the community, and it recounts the key role that female sexuality played in such rituals more than four thousand years ago. This was a time when art was "magic"---especially communal, collective magic; art was the way that community re-created itself. In particular this work examines the single most important religious/social/magical ritual of the Mesopotamians. This polymorphic performance was known as the Sacred Marriage.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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Ph.D.
