The uses of small things and the semiotics of Greek miniature objects

Abstract

In Greek antiquity, miniature objects are widely attested in the archaeological record. They appear in a variety of contexts such as household assemblages, sanctuaries, and tombs. The fact that, from a diachronic perspective, there exist miniature versions of many different objects has obscured the fact that the process of miniaturisation is, from a synchronic perspective, largely confined to a comparatively small group of symbolically meaningful items. Previous research has downplayed the role of miniature objects by interpreting them as cheap offerings by lower social strata or as children’s toys. Nevertheless, the meaning and function of miniature objects cannot be understood appropriately without considering that these items are symbolically related to various conceptions and beliefs in Greek society. Taking a semiotic approach, this paper suggests that we should conceive of miniature objects as iconic signs of their normal-sized counterparts. Moreover, it is argued that the connotative meaning of objects is enhanced through the process of miniaturisation. The various implications of this interpretation are discussed in two case studies.

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