Words Alone are Certain Good(s): Philology and Greek Material Culture

Abstract

The relation between philology and the study of material culture within Classics has been long and complex. Where does it now stand? At the request of the editor of TAPA , in conjunction with the journal’s recent focus on material culture, the author attempts to sum up some major trends. After an overview of historical developments, this article investigates the current practices and positions of those who are trying to bridge the divide between the “dirt” and the “word.” A fourfold set of common methodological approaches is described, followed by a fourfold division of ways in which text and object might be seen as interacting.