Maria Gimbutas and the Sacred Earth

Introduction

• The dance's meaning and the beliefs behind it
• Our view of the past shapes our identity and potential
• Dream of harmonious, peaceful culture in balance with nature
• Question: Has such a culture ever existed?

Maria Gimbutas' Origin Story

• Born in Lithuania, NE Europe
• Fled Soviet occupation during WWII, became a refugee
• Immigrated to the USA
• Renowned archaeologist with influential theories
• A new picture of early Western cultures

Neolithic Cultures (8,000 Years Ago)

• High level of culture and art during New Stone Age
• Practiced agriculture, pottery, weaving, herding
• Farming communities with no evidence of organized warfare
• Rich legacy of artifacts centered around gods and goddesses

Primordial Deity

• The first deity was female: a self-generating goddess
• Giver of life, wielder of death, and regenerator
• Symbolized unity of all life in nature
• Presence felt in water, stone, tombs, caves, animals, birds, etc.
• Sacred Earth and Mother Earth motifs in European folklore

Sacred Earth Beliefs

• Sacred Earth as living and law-giving
• Respect for Earth, especially in spring
• Earth as the mother and sustainer of all life

Continuity of Sacred Symbols

• Symbols trace back to Old Stone Age
• Animals and female forms in ancient art
• Diverse Neolithic religious imagery
• Symbols represent procreative parts and creative energy
• The goddess as creatrix with multiple forms
• Use of myth and metaphor to interact with natural forces

Cultural Significance

• Symbols and myths represent ancient spiritual traditions
• Connection to the rhythms of nature and the cosmos
• Cultural stories as a way to interact with universal drama