Events > Water
A seminar and discussion about material religion and water. This online event will include talks by Dr Signe Barfoed and Dr Anna Perdibon.
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Talk titles and abstracts
Hydrophoroi and the significance of water in ancient Greek material religion - Dr Signe Barfoed
In this contribution to the discussions about material religion and water, I will present a brief survey of water usage in Greek religious practices and how water was saturated with religious connotations through the personification of rivers and springs. I will then focus on the material evidence for the ones who brought the water to the Greek sanctuaries, the water-carriers (hydrophoroi), and discuss how they highlight the importance of water in ancient Greek religious practices.
“Between the Mouth of the Two Rivers”: The Agency of Water, Springs and Rivers in ancient Mesopotamian Material Religion - Dr Anna Perdibon
In line with the current discussion about material religion, this contribution offers a brief overview on the roles played by water, springs and rivers in the ancient Mesopotamian religion. Based on the mythical and ritual written evidence, my overview will explore cosmic and mythical roles, magico-medical and material agencies of the other-than-human beings in the religious beliefs and practices. Focusing on the religious life of water, springs and rivers, I will offer some insights into the materiality of the ancient Near Eastern polytheisms, and into the perception, representation and engagement of the sacred landscape of the ancient Mesopotamians.
