IMC 2019: Sessions

Session 1638: Byzantine Hagiography and Material Culture

Thursday 4 July 2019, 11.15-12.45

Sponsor:	Mary Jaharis Center for Byzantine Art & Culture, Hellenic College Holy Cross, Massachusetts
Organiser:	Anna Lampadaridi, Trinity College, University of Oxford
Moderator/Chair:	Anna Lampadaridi, Trinity College, University of Oxford
Paper 1638-a	Objects and Materiality in Miracle Tales (Language: English) Vincent Déroche, Centre de Recherche d'histoire et Civilisation de Byzance, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Paris Index terms: Byzantine Studies, Daily Life, Hagiography, Mentalities
Paper 1638-b	The Ambivalent Approach to Books and the Written Word in Byzantine Edifying Stories (Language: English) Markéta Kulhánková, Department of Classical Studies, Faculty of Arts, Masarykova univerzita, Brno Index terms: Byzantine Studies, Hagiography, Literacy and Orality, Monasticism
Paper 1638-c	Materialities of Violence in Byzantine Beneficial Tales (Language: English) Fotis Vasileiou, Religions et Sociétés dans le Monde Méditerranéen (RESMED), Ioannina Index terms: Byzantine Studies, Daily Life, Hagiography, Mentalities
Abstract	Objects, such as the Mandylion of Edessa, can be found at the beginning of hagiographical legends. This session aims to discuss the aspects of material culture one can find in different types of Byzantine hagiography. What is the role of objects (not only those related to a saint's cult) in the construction of a hagiographical narrative? Can they be part of a literary device? How realistic is the presentation of material culture in hagiographical texts? Do we find imaginary objects? Can objects function as symbols within a specific religious or political context?