The Dancing Goddess: Principles of a Matriarchal Aesthetic

by Heide Göttner-Abendroth

Blending theory, criticism, and ritual, reveals the foundations of the ancient tradition of "matriarchal art," and shows how that tradition flourishes in the works of major contemporary women artists and in contemporary women's spirituality.

Genres: Goddess, Womens, History

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Inara]

Title in German:
Die tanzende Göttin. Prinzipien einer matriarchalen Ästhetik

Heide Gottner-Abendroth is a researcher of matriarchal societies and in this spirit this book was written. She formulates concepts of a matriarchal art and aesthetic through going back to matriarchal ritual art. She defines this art as an ability to shape and reshape life which is never removable from our cultural and social experience, it´s the center of this practice (in contrast to patriarchal art as fiction and formal technique).
Although her theories are interesting and I liked the introduced art of several women this book is difficult to read if you have never ventured into matriarchial territory. You shouldn´t start reading it without any knowledge about mythology otherwise it would swamp you and you wouldn´t be able to follow her expositions.

Website of the author: http://www.hagia.de/