Shamaran, the Sacred Mother: Life, Death, and Creation in the Neolithic Art
Publication information:
Abstract
This presentation explores the image of Shâmaran, a mythological figure deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Kurdish people, and its symbolic interpretation within the Neolithic Mother Earth Goddess tradition. By examining Shâmaran’s representation in art from the Neolithic era, the presentation will highlight how visual symbolism from this period reflects ancient understandings of fertility, life cycles, and the sacred feminine, foundational to early human spirituality.
Presenter Biography
Dilsa Deniz holds a PhD in Social Anthropology and an MA in Gender Studies. Her research focuses on Kurdish Alevism, the Mother Goddess faith, sacred geography, and eco-spirituality, exploring the intersection of environment, gender, and spirituality. They are deeply engaged in studies of colonialism, decoloniality, and the indigenous traditions of the Near East, with a special interest in how these elements shape contemporary cultural and spiritual practices. Her work bridges anthropology, gender studies, and ecology to examine the resilience of indigenous beliefs and their relevance in the modern world.