Conference_programme: 18.9 - Archeo-Acoustics
Lecture: Archaeoacoustic Research on Caves dedicated to Pan and the Nymphs in Attica, Greece
Author(s): Yioutsos Nektarios, Kamaris Gavriil , Kaleris Konstantinos , Papadakos Charalambos , Mourjopoulos John
Summary:
Recent archaeoacoustic techniques, applied in ancient sacred grottos and other constructions, have paved the way for new research insights in ancient cult and ritual practice, offering the potential to enrich interpretations of how ancient buildings or natural spaces were perceived as loci of divine presence and worship. \nHere, the acoustic research was focused on selected examples of caves with known historic significance in ancient Greek societies. The caves were selected from a specific geographical region, Attica in Greece, where the combined worship of the hoofed-god Pan with his female companions, the Nymphs, was first organized and performed inside caves during the 5th c. BC. The purpose of this inter-disciplinary research is to enhance our existing knowledge regarding the utilization of sound and acoustics during ritual ceremonies in caves, in an attempt to understand whether sound was a determining factor in the selection of caves as appropriate sacred sites.\nAlthough access to such caves introduces significant difficulties, acoustic measurements were obtained in two caves (Parnitha and Vari) at different source – receiver positions at locations where historic evidence indicates that such rituals were taken place. The single channel measurements were used for extraction of the acoustic parameters of the caves. For the same positions, binaural responses were recorded using a dummy head and these were later utilized via virtual listening scenarios for presentations and controlled evaluation of the cave acoustics by listeners in the laboratory using appropriate pre-recorded audio samples which according to the archaeological and historical data were reproduced during ancient rituals, made people believe that they were the abodes of these sacred spirits.\nThe tests and analysis provide novel findings with regards to the suitability of cave acoustics for such ritual ceremonies.\n
Corresponding author
Name: Mr Gavriil Kamaris
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Country: Greece
