Dissertation Title:

Lost, Remembered Song: Pyramid as Archetype and Artifact

Candidate:

Gary Thomas Bartlett

Date, Time & Place:

February 14, 2019 at 9:30 am
Studio, Lambert Road campus


Abstract

The pyramid is an iconic and ubiquitous form; the variations in the ostensible function remain debated, especially in light of the many physical, religious, and mythological similarities. Examples in the “Old” and “New” world civilizations, which historically had no contact before the 15th century, emphasize the mystery. Examples in Egypt, Mexico, and Peru illuminate the theoretical grounds upon which questions of function can be addressed. Jung’s theory of archetypes renders the pyramid as a symbol strongly emphasizing Center as a psychological necessity. Boundary in the form of the horizon, and the cycles of celestial phenomena surrounding the pyramids, highlight the role of Center and Circumference in psychological and cultural organization. The historical view of the pyramid structures is compared to other theoretical possibilities, whereas the projective nature of myth imagery is analyzed in relation to archaic cosmology. Further, contrasting Jung’s approach, the function of myth and symbol is discussed as providing a technical language employed by ancient cultures to codify and transmit astronomical and cosmological information. This language utilized a mythic sensibility first elucidated by Santillana and Dechend in their text Hamlet’s Mill (1969). The psychological function of the pyramid is then discussed in relation to architecture and stadial cultural organization through Mimi Lobell’s work with spatial archetypes. Finally, the impact of the research upon the researcher is explored through reveries of Center and Boundary and their organizing function through what is termed the Hermeneutics of Self.

Note

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Details
  • Program/Track/Year: Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian & Archetypal Studies, Track Y, 2010
  • Chair: Dr. Keiron Le Grice
  • Reader: Dr. Safron Rossi
  • External Reader: Dr. John Lobell
  • Keywords: Pyramid, Center, Boundary, Cosmology, The Hermeneutics Of Self