Heritage and the Power of the Myths: Material Culture and Its Interpretation through Myths and Tales

The catalogue Heritage and the Power of the Myths: Material Culture and Its Interpretation through Myths and Tales is part of the inter-museum exhibition of the same name, which is the second in a series of collaborations between Slovenian museums with the common goal of achieving greater recognition of cultural heritage. The exhibition was prepared by nine museums and one individual in collaboration with two universities. The main theme of the project is to draw attention to the wealth of knowledge "stored" in museum objects. With the help of myths and stories, readers are introduced to people's perception of the world and their values in the past.

 

The catalogue, published by the Ptuj–Ormož Regional Museum and the Koper Regional Museum in collaboration with other Slovenian museums, features contributions from numerous authors.

 

Verena Perko writes about heritage and the power of myths, as well as science and object-based learning in museums. Andrej Preložnik discusses the myth of Actaeon and the punishment of indecent audacity. Aleksandra Nestorović presents Dionysus as a symbol of the glory of life and analyzes a mosaic with images of animals. Jože Štukl writes about the Freising bishops between mythological and historical tradition.
In her article On the Beautiful Youth Carried Away by an Eagle – On Zeus and Ganymede, Jana Puhar explores the mythological tale of the abduction of Ganymede and its reflection in material culture. Verena Perko also writes about sacred fire and the soul, and about an oil lamp from Brézie with images of a lion, a dog, and a boar. Maja Bausovec and Jure Krajšek discuss Jupiter as a lover. Saša Djura Jelenko and Brigita Rajšter write about the love triangle and the mythical landscape of the Mislinja Valley. Verena Perko and Karla Oder write about King Matjaž and Alenčica, and about power and loyalty.
Miha Mlinar is the author of the article Following in the Footsteps of Athena and Minerva in the Soča Region, Klaudija Cigole writes about Aphrodite or Venus as a seductress, and Snježana Karinja writes about the goddesses of victory, Nike and Victoria.
At the end, there is also a catalog of the exhibited items, which gives the reader a comprehensive overview of the presented material.

 

The catalogue has 253 pages and is published in Slovenian and English.
Editorial board: Maša Saccara, Verena Perko, Špela Prunk, Aleksandra Nestorović, Jana Puhar, Snježana Karinja.

 

Price: 33 €