Maternal Materialities

Objects, Rituals and Material Evidence of Medieval and Early Modern Childbirth

Gislon Dopfel, Costanza

Although little is known of the process surrounding early modern childbirth, the lack of written testimonials and technical descriptions does not preclude the possibility of reconstructing the reality of this elusive space: drawing on the evidence of clothing, food, rites and customs, this collection of essays seeks to give tangible form to the experience of childbirth through the analysis of physical objects and rituals. An important addition to the literature of material culture and 'wordly goods', this collection of twenty-three essays from international scholars offers a novel approach to the study of pre- and early modern birth by extending its reach beyond the birthing event to include issues concerning the management of pregnancy and post-partum healing. Grouped into five broad areas, the essays explore the material advantages and disadvantages of motherhood, the food and objects present in the birthing room, the evidence and memorialization of death in childbirth, attitudes towards the pregnant body, the material culture of healing and the ritual items used during childbirth.