Female iconography in ancient Iran, from the neolithic figurines and dancing women and ibexes painted on very ancient ceramics, to matricultural elements in the Elamite culture. The amazing cylinder seals of Kerman show goddesses with snakes emerging from their shoulders and female devotees in ceremony before them. The bronzes of Luristan exalt the ibex-women and other fantastical figures. In the north a wealth of female icons bursts forth 3000 years ago, first abtract figures in stone, and then hollow terracotta women. In the period of the Persian empires, the goddess Anahita comes into view in rock-cut shrine reliefs and temples. By the Sassanid dynasty, queens and female warriors and (once again) dancers show up in the historical record. We conclude with a look at Zoroastrian goddesses.


Course Curriculum


  Intro / Contents
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  Video 1: Neolithic Iran
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  Video 2: the Elamites
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  Video 3: Goddess Seals of Kerman
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  Video 4: Ibex Goddess of Luristan; Female Icons of the North
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  Video 5: Persian Empire, Anahita, Zoroastrian Goddess
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  Discussion (audio)
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Your Instructor


Max Dashu
Max Dashu