| Dictionary entries |
Currently about 280 lemmata are considered, written by more than 70 authors. An IDD dictionary entry generally consists of six sections plus illustrations (for more information on the different sections roll over the headings below): |
Introductory remarks may include a short task description, particular methodological problems due to extant sources or to the specific character of a lemma, or general remarks on the lemma’s religio-historical significance. If the lemma concerns a particular deity, the author should explain on what grounds this deity may be or has been identified on visual representations. If the identification of the deity is based on textual evidence (e.g., literary sources, captions), this should be mentioned. If applicable, the introductory section may briefly review the history of research, with emphasis on monographic treatments.
The iconographical typology is concerned with the descriptive classification of (1) iconographical phenotypes and (2) associations of the lemma item with others (deities, demons, humans or animals) in visual sources.
The section on phenotypes classifies the various iconographical types according to regular features defining the visual appearance of the lemma item, i.e., in the case of deities: physical features, dress, attributes, or gestures. This section concentrates on certain phenotypes. However, it may include paragraphs on probable, possible, uncertain, and/or unlikely identifications if such have been suggested in earlier literature. The section on associations discusses the relevant relations of the lemma item with (other) deities/demons, humans, or animals as attested by visual sources. The discussion proceeds along the categories distinguished in section II.1. The sources for the iconographical typology are discussed according to their chronological range, geographical distribution, and attested object types carrying the representation of the lemma.
This part
aims at the religio-historical interpretation of the lemma item’s meaning and significance within ancient cultures , societies and/or religions.
The catalogue section provides data and bibliographic information of all visual sources depicting the lemma, which are mentioned in the article. The following object data is provided (if available) for all catalogue entries: object type, material, provenance, dating of object, bibliography. In case of illustrated catalogue entries the following additional information is provided (if available): measurements,
present location including museum or collection inventory number.
Each article will be concluded by a selected bibliography, which mentions the most significant and informative contributions to previous scholarship. Other bibliographical references referred to within the article are listed in a comprehensive general bibliography at the end of the lexicon’s illustrations volume.
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