Archaic Sicily, like the island today, was famous for its agricultural fertility. With its rich and abundant fields, it is no surprise that Sicily was also a renowned center for the veneration of Demeter and Persephone. Sanctuaries for the worship of the two agricultural goddesses emerged most everywhere on the island in the 6th century BCE—some two centuries after the initial establishment of Greek settlements.

In this Flash Talk, IPAMAA student Alex Moskowitz investigates a practice evident at these sanctuaries that is little known elsewhere in the Greek world: the dedication of intentionally broken bronze and iron ingots in votive deposits. He suggests that the archaeology of Indigenous Sicilian communities may explain this phenomenon and, in doing so, offers new insights into the complicated relationship between Indigenous and Greek communities in Archaic Sicily.

Kelsey Museum Flash Talks are 15-minute Zoom lectures by Kelsey curators, staff members, researchers, graduate students, and guests talking about their recent research or current projects. Each presentation is followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. Flash Talks are free and open to all visitors. They take place at noon on the first Friday of every month.

To register for this event, visit https://forms.gle/n9hffFrSrdfKY2RQ8.