Models, moulds and mass production: the mechanics of stylistic influence form the Mediterranean to Bactria

Mairs, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9192-9031 (2014) Models, moulds and mass production: the mechanics of stylistic influence form the Mediterranean to Bactria. Ancient West & East, 13. pp. 175-195. ISSN 1783-8398 doi: 10.2143/AWE.13.0.3038737

Abstract/Summary

Classical Greek and Roman influence on the material culture of Central Asia and northwestern India is often considered in the abstract. This article attempts to examine the mechanisms of craft production and movement of artisans and objects which made such influence possible, through four case studies: (1) Mould-made ceramics in Hellenistic eastern Bactria; (2) Plaster casts used in the production of metalware from Begram; (3) Terracotta figurines and the moulds used to produce them, from various archaeological sites; and (4) Mass production of identical gold adornments in the nomadic tombs from Tillya Tepe. The implications of such techniques for our understanding of the development of Gandhāran art are also discussed.