2016-2017 Faculty Research Grant
Stefanie Elkiins-Bates (Visual Art, Communication & Design)
Model Shrines and Cult Stands of the Madaba Plains
This project will explore the interdisciplinary and symbiotic relationship between art history and archaeology through the art-historical analysis of ceramic architectural models, known as model shrines and/or cult stands, originating in Transjordan; specifically the Madaba Plains region. Comparing links to the larger corpus of architectural models from surrounding regions will provide important data for classifying and analyzing the lesser-known architectural models from Transjordan.
The resulting findings will better inform scholars about the cultic role these architectural models played in the lives of the artisans, the patrons, and the culture in which they were created. Furthermore, this research will enable us to provide deeper insight into the ancient concept of aesthetics symbolism and how these design elements made their way into Moabite and Ammonite territory during the Iron Age. The iconographic elements also have implications for our understanding of the religious practices of the greater Transjordan region as well as providing us with information that will help create an artistic canon tying certain motifs and symbols to particular people groups. This grant will provide the opportunity for me to accomplish three goals: Continued research, conservation and restoration of selected cult stand and model shrines, and to present and publish my research.