The theme of the Drink-Bearer
Using three basic texts (The Saga of the Volsungs, The Odyssey, and the IrishThe Voyage of Mael Duin), but ranging over a variety of other examples, this article tries to define a symbol found in Celtic, Germanic and Classical literature, the symbol of the Drink-Bearer. It begins by considering the Cup presented by woman to the hero (1); it then studies some of the various symbolic contents of this cup and its functions, as well as its iconographic value in myth (2); thereafter it analyzes the vessel as a symbol of death and life (3); the enquiry then concentrates on the figure of the Drink-Bearer herself and on her role as dispenser of political power and status, and tries to reconcile the two basic notions she symbolizes: life and death on the one hand, territorial sovereignty on the other (4).
Symbol and Image in Celtic Religious Art
Miranda Green examines iconographic themes in Celtic cult-imagery, and considers how they contribute to our understanding of belief systems before and during the Roman period (around 500 BC - AD 400). This book should be of interest to students and lecturers of archaeology, anthropology, classical studies, art history.
Evaluating Cultural Authenticity in Multicultural Picture Books: A Collaborative Analysis for Diversity Education
This study examines cultural authenticity reflected in multicultural picture books. Specifically, this study attempts to reframe issues surrounding the topic of cultural authenticity based on a systematic and empirical analysis of picture books that represent three different ethnic groups: African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic Americans. A total of forty-five systematically selected picture books that represent fifteen books per ethnic group were selected and evaluated by multiple reviewers who were insiders of the culture. A coding scheme was developed to evaluate each book in terms of profile of major and minor characters, settings of the story, stereotypical features, and cultural authenticity. An in-depth evaluation of all selected books was added by a team of three reviewers in order to validate the results of the coded analysis. This study aims to shed light on library youth services and diversity education in a society with increasing ethnic diversity.