Olivia
The ruins of the thousand-year-old Mississippian culture, Cahokia, yielded a sculpted female figure that became known as the Birger figurine. This sculpture uniquely depicts a woman, a stark contrast to the prevalent representation of male strength via birds of prey and venomous snakes (Miller). When observed frontally, the bauxite figurine originally suggests the shape of a woman tilling the ground before her. Yet a rear view suggests that what initially appeared to be fertile soil is simultaneously sculpted to represent a serpent. As the coiled beast creeps up the woman’s body, it effortlessly melds into a vine saddled with gourds. The depiction of the serpent recalls traditional native folklore, beliefs that ascribed the image of the “underwater monster” to fertility (History of Illinois Agriculture Image Gallery). This piece appears steeped in spiritual significance. Some experts theorize that the figurine reflects an emblem of a woman’s bond with Mother Nature (Miller). In these Native American cultures, women performed the duties of farmers, the responsibility of cultivating the earth falling upon their shoulders. Female leadership in the quest for sustenance proved vital to the culture’s survival. Thus, this figurine credits the society’s women for their dutiful work as well their deep appreciation for the land their tribes called home.
In their quests to reveal secrets of early civilizations, archeologists have exposed numerous models of women. The Venus of Willendorf, the Cycladic women, and the Birger figurine belong to a family of sculptures that speak to the vital roles of women in society. Although details of their meaning remain obscure, doubtless the time and care devoted to the modeling of such figurines represent the respect for the contributions of women to society. Yet, the Birger figurine can be viewed as an objectification of females. The sculpture moors the female gender to its function in society. As the Birger figurine is thought to represent all women of Cahokia in a broad and generalized stereotype, the sculpture lacks in entirety representation of the individuality and personality of a single woman. When viewed through today’s feminist lens, art created with the intention of highlighting women’s gifts to society fails to honor the actual women who performed these responsibilities.
Works Cited
Miller, Angela, et al. American Encounters: Art, History, and Cultural Identity. London: Prentice Hall, 2008. 14 – 15.
"History of Illinois Agriculture Image Gallery." History of Illinois Agriculture Image. n.d. Web. 28 Aug. 2012. <http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/agriculture/gallery/album01/berger_figurine>.
Image Cited
"History of Illinois Agriculture Image Gallery." History of Illinois Agriculture Image. n.d. Web. 28 Aug. 2012. <http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/agriculture/gallery/album01/berger_figurine>.
The ruins of the thousand-year-old Mississippian culture, Cahokia, yielded a sculpted female figure that became known as the Birger figurine. This sculpture uniquely depicts a woman, a stark contrast to the prevalent representation of male strength via birds of prey and venomous snakes (Miller). When observed frontally, the bauxite figurine originally suggests the shape of a woman tilling the ground before her. Yet a rear view suggests that what initially appeared to be fertile soil is simultaneously sculpted to represent a serpent. As the coiled beast creeps up the woman’s body, it effortlessly melds into a vine saddled with gourds. The depiction of the serpent recalls traditional native folklore, beliefs that ascribed the image of the “underwater monster” to fertility (History of Illinois Agriculture Image Gallery). This piece appears steeped in spiritual significance. Some experts theorize that the figurine reflects an emblem of a woman’s bond with Mother Nature (Miller). In these Native American cultures, women performed the duties of farmers, the responsibility of cultivating the earth falling upon their shoulders. Female leadership in the quest for sustenance proved vital to the culture’s survival. Thus, this figurine credits the society’s women for their dutiful work as well their deep appreciation for the land their tribes called home.
In their quests to reveal secrets of early civilizations, archeologists have exposed numerous models of women. The Venus of Willendorf, the Cycladic women, and the Birger figurine belong to a family of sculptures that speak to the vital roles of women in society. Although details of their meaning remain obscure, doubtless the time and care devoted to the modeling of such figurines represent the respect for the contributions of women to society. Yet, the Birger figurine can be viewed as an objectification of females. The sculpture moors the female gender to its function in society. As the Birger figurine is thought to represent all women of Cahokia in a broad and generalized stereotype, the sculpture lacks in entirety representation of the individuality and personality of a single woman. When viewed through today’s feminist lens, art created with the intention of highlighting women’s gifts to society fails to honor the actual women who performed these responsibilities.
Works Cited
Miller, Angela, et al. American Encounters: Art, History, and Cultural Identity. London: Prentice Hall, 2008. 14 – 15.
"History of Illinois Agriculture Image Gallery." History of Illinois Agriculture Image. n.d. Web. 28 Aug. 2012. <http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/agriculture/gallery/album01/berger_figurine>.
Image Cited
"History of Illinois Agriculture Image Gallery." History of Illinois Agriculture Image. n.d. Web. 28 Aug. 2012. <http://www.museum.state.il.us/exhibits/agriculture/gallery/album01/berger_figurine>.