The Architectural Christian Spolia in Early Medieval Iberia

Reflections between Material Reuse and Cultural Appropriation

Bibliographic Data

ID3433179
AuthorsEnrique Daza-Pardo (0000-0001-9370-7635, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, corresponding author), Raúl Catalán-Ramos (0000-0003-1296-7414, Hospital Universitario de Torrejón)
Year2024
Volume15
Issue6
Pages663
Publication date2024-05-28
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel15060663
OpenAlexW4399080927
LanguageEN
References cited9

The reuse of construction materials has been a consistent practice throughout the history of architecture, especially prevalent during periods of transition when it was preferred for its ability to simplify installation and reduce construction costs. This practice was particularly common in late Roman urban contexts, where construction materials, especially ashlar and sculptural elements, were abundant following the abandonment of temples and public buildings. However, there are occasions when the use of spolia, or reused materials, goes beyond simple material recycling. The reuse and display of certain pieces carry complex implications involving symbology, cultural appropriation, or collective memory exercises that convey messages through new buildings. In this paper, we focus on the unique case of Hispanic Christian architectural sculptures that were "recycled" in new buildings during the first centuries of Islamic domination of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically within places of worship. Through a general analysis and review of some examples, we aim to reflect on the motivations and intentionality behind the use of certain sculptural pieces and their placement in new buildings, which is not arbitrary

Aesthetics · Appropriation · Art · Epistemology · Reuse · Sociology · Archaeological and Historical Studies · Engineering · Historical Studies of Medieval Iberia · History · Medieval Architecture and Archaeology · Philosophy

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Open DOIOpen Access