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Folklore Archaeology and the Origins of European Dance

Drew Bell

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Published in The Dancing Goddesses: Folklore Archaeology And The Origins Of European Dance

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Dance is a universal human activity that has been practiced for thousands of years. In Europe, dance has a rich and varied history, with different styles and traditions emerging in different regions and cultures. But where did these dances come from? And how can we trace their origins?

One approach to understanding the origins of dance is through folklore archaeology. Folklore archaeology is the study of the material remains of past cultures, including their dances. By examining the archaeological record, we can learn about the types of dances that were performed, the contexts in which they were danced, and the meanings that they held for the people who performed them.

The Dancing Goddesses: Folklore, Archaeology, and the Origins of European Dance

by Elizabeth Wayland Barber

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One of the earliest examples of dance in Europe is the cave paintings of Lascaux, France. These paintings, which date back to around 15,000 BC, depict humans dancing in a variety of poses. The paintings suggest that dance was an important part of life for the people who created them, and that it may have been used for a variety of purposes, such as religious rituals or social gatherings.

Other archaeological evidence for dance in Europe includes pottery, sculptures, and mosaics. These artifacts often depict dancers in various poses, and they can provide us with valuable information about the different types of dances that were performed in the past. For example, a pottery vessel from the Bronze Age that was found in Denmark depicts a group of people dancing in a circle. This suggests that circle dancing was a popular form of dance in Europe during the Bronze Age.

The archaeological record can also provide us with information about the contexts in which dances were performed. For example, a mosaic from the Roman city of Pompeii depicts a group of people dancing at a banquet. This suggests that dance was an important part of social gatherings in Roman culture.

Finally, the archaeological record can provide us with information about the meanings that dances held for the people who performed them. For example, a painting from the Middle Ages depicts a group of people dancing around a maypole. This suggests that maypole dancing may have had a religious significance for the people who performed it.

Folklore archaeology is a valuable tool for understanding the origins of European dance. By examining the archaeological record, we can learn about the types of dances that were performed, the contexts in which they were danced, and the meanings that they held for the people who performed them. This information can help us to better understand the history of dance in Europe and to appreciate the role that it has played in European culture.