Queering the Polyxena Sarcophagus
The Polyxena Sarcophagus, from near Troy, presents a conundrum. It is decorated with female imagery, but was the burial place of a 40-year old man.
This presentation will make the argument that the sarcophagus was the last resting place of a gallos, a self-castrated, follower of the Phrygian Great Mother goddess who lived as a woman after his transition. The presence of eunuchs among the mourners in the depiction of the death of Polyxena raises further questions about the owner of the sarcophagus and his nonbinary position.
More details to follow.
This event is presented in conjunction with the Discipline of Archaeology in the School of Humanities’ seminar series,
About the speaker
Professor Tim McNiven is Associate Professor in the Department of History of Art at Ohio State University. Professor McNiven's primary areas of expertise are in the fields of Greek and Roman Art, with special emphases on the history of ceramics and gender issues in Greek art. His research interest focuses on the images of ancient Greek pottery and the use and meaning of gestures. He has been a consultant to the Department of Ancient Art at the Toledo Museum and is a member of the governing board of the Midwest Art history Society.