Disposing of Sacred Images: The End of the Life of Architectural Terracottas (20 min)

Presenters

Fabio Colivicchi, Queen?s University

Abstract

Architectural terracottas were one of the most important elements of a religious building, contributing decisively to its visual impact. There is a long tradition of studies on the messages that these systems of images communicated to ancient viewers. In discussing the function and meaning of architectural terracottas, which is the subject of this panel, it is crucial to understand if they were considered simply as visual media to communicate a message, political or otherwise, or if they were regarded as objects with sacred qualities. The disposal of the terracottas frequently occurred after a long interval, when any political message they may have originally conveyed was largely outdated. The procedures used to dispose of old architectural terracottas can reveal how they were perceived: as debris from a demolition project or as objects with intrinsic religious value requiring special care and respect. This paper will discuss a selection of case studies illustrating how decommissioned architectural terracottas were frequently treated as sacred objects and how numerous factors influenced the procedures for their disposal. The subject and type of the elements, the integrity and completeness of individual parts and of the whole system, and the circumstances in which they were removed all played a part in determining how they were handled.