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This project will cast a wide net across cultures, both ancient and modern, to systematically analyze the meaning and function of jewelry and related forms of bodily ornamentation from a feminist perspective. We will imagine the human body itself as a contested space, an arena in which the politics of gender and class are at play. Through a judicious selection of case studies, we will investigate the inescapably political nature of jewelry by exploring its role in gendering the body, and by analyzing its impact on the wearer as a signifier of status and class. At the conclusion of our study, we will pose a final question: What would it take for a contemporary artisan to make truly feminist jewelry? |
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Familiarity with feminist/women's studies methods and approaches. |
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Carry out a research exploration of the topic by utilizing historical, art historical, history of religions, archaeological, anthropological, and feminist theoretical resources. Maintain close and frequent contact with the mentor during the summer. |
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| Feminist Theory |
| Women's Studies |
| Art History |
| Archaeology |
| Religion |
| Anthropology |
| Social History |
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