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The dancing goddesses : folklore, archaeology, and the origins of European dance
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The dancing goddesses : folklore, archaeology, and the origins of European dance

by Elizabeth Wayland Barber

This study explores the ancient European belief in female fertility spirits and their connection to the evolution of dance and agrarian rituals. Drawing on archaeological and ethnographic evidence, it also examines the origins of customs like colouring Easter eggs.

Accession 12577 ISBN 9780393065367 Publisher W. W. Norton & Co.
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Archaeology Art Culture Entertainment Folklore History Music Mythology Religion
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position_updated_at
2026-06-04 14:45
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Identity

name→ title
The dancing goddesses : folklore, archaeology, and the origins of European dance
vernon_id
19717
accession_no→ accession_number
12577
vernon_slug
the-dancing-goddesses-folklore-archaeology-and-the-origins-of-european-dance-elizabeth-wayland-barber

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isbn_issn→ isbn (when valid)
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Descriptive

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2013
object_type
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object_status
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brief_description
Archaeologist and linguist by profession, folk dancer by avocation, Elizabeth Wayland Barber has sleuthed through ethnographic lore and archaeological reports of east and southeast Europe, translating enchanting folktales about these “dancing goddesses” as well as eyewitness accounts of traditional rituals―texts that offer new perspectives on dance in agrarian society. She then traces these goddesses and their dances back through the Romans and Greeks to the first farmers of Europe. Along the way, she locates the origins of many customs, including coloring Easter eggs and throwing rice at the bride. The result is a detective story like no other and a joyful reminder of the human need to dance.

Subjects & people

authors→ author (initial fill only)
Elizabeth Wayland Barber
tags→ tags
Arts, History, Performing arts, Civilisation, Manners and customs, Mythology, Classical, Folklore, Agriculture -- History, Neolithic period, Stone age, Goddesses, Archaeology -- Methodology, Europe -- History, Mother goddesses, Social archaeology, Dance, Nymphs (Greek deities), Goddesses, Greek
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