This research area is on Nick Hanks’ academic published research into patterns of sacred space (Irvine, Hanks and Weddle. 2012 ‘Sacred Architecture: Archaeological and Anthropological Perspectives’ pp.91-118 in Archaeology and Anthropology: Past, Present and Future. Association of Social Anthropologists monograph.) within Nick Hanks’ general website.
On these webpages I explore:-
- Doorways to the divine: the spatial requirements for ritual buildings
- Bodies and minds in space: the effect of space on ritual
- Thresholds of spaces: the relations of Inhabitant, Visitor and Stranger
This research was triggered by the observation that most archaeologists understanding of how prehistoric ritual sites were used is somewhat lacking due to few of them having a background in ritual studies or performance. I have both. And having encountered Ronald L Grimes’ modes of ritual; Ceremonial, Liturgical, Magical and Celebratory, I wondered whether the different modes of ritual had different spatial requirements. If these could be discerned, by looking at contemporary practice, then perhaps when these were applied to the prehistoric sites a better understanding could be had of how they were actually used and the societies of the time, rather than just putting them in the catch all phrase of ‘ritual’.
My research to date (see 2012 Publications) has shown a clear pattern for Liturgical ritual space. I am currently working on examples of the other modes of ritual and preliminary work indicates there will be differences for other these modes. Results of this research will be result in an academic and non-academic publication.
What’s New – Conference papers from 2014 “Bodies and minds in space” and from 2013 “Thresholds of space” have been added.
Cheers, Nick
