Abstract

This Senior Independent Study is an analysis of covers from a contemporary Neopagan magazine titled Harvest published between the years of 1980 and 1992. This study utilizes a close reading of both sources on Neopaganism and the practice of medievalism, along with the application of the methods of both content analysis and formal analysis. From these sources and the methods used to analyze the covers, I have pinpointed, or isolated, key themes and symbols that appear in the covers and their respective texts. I believe that through the appropriation of medieval motifs— understood through pop-culture, and archaeologic evidence—and various folklores, the illustrators at Harvest connect themselves to an ancient past within a modern context, creating a new, hybrid identity for their religion and its followers. This belief is verified through the symbolic approach to anthropology of Victor Turner, and the analysis of the iconography and iconology in the images as put forth by Erwin Panofsky. This is done in order to understand how contemporary Neopagans are using visual culture to define their identity, establish authenticity, build group solidarity, and communicate their religion to others. The overall purpose of my I.S. is to show, through the use of visual and literary evidence, the illustrators of this magazine wanted to establish a new identity for themselves, their religion, and their followers by using folklore and medieval imagery in modern contexts..

Advisor

Frese, Pamela

Second Advisor

Morrow, Kara

Department

Art and Art History; Sociology and Anthropology

Keywords

neopagan, neopaganism, wicca, medieval, middle age, medievalism

Publication Date

2015

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2015 Jennifer C. Caventer