The Heraian of Argos was an ancient sanctuary dedicated to Hera, whose epithet “Argive Hera” appears in Homer’s works. Hera herself claims to be the protector of Argos in Iliad IV, 50-52: “The three towns I love best are Argos, Sparta, and Mycenae of the broad streets.”
They Belong To The Wildflowers. Once considered a crown jewel of ancient Greek architecture, the ruins leave to the imagination the wonder of former rituals and running races for girls in preparation for the mysteries of womanhood, marriage and family. We are pleased to host a two-day workshop for young women that will be a collaborative effort between Greek and American artists, notably Marianne Lettieri and Amy Da Peng King. Adrianos Psychas will lecture on the Argive Heraian after which we will visit the site itself and walk in the footsteps of the young girls who may have run to the Well of Pausanias in former times.
As it was a feature of the Ancient Heraian for the young girls to weave a peplos for the statue of Hera and present it annually, so will the Greek weaver, Rosa Tsounou, provide us with a peplos as an enduring symbol of family values in Greece, then to now, and take those who attend the workshop through the process of shearing, carding, spinning and weaving the fabric. Weaving is among the first ways that women told their stories and the art of the loom will be recalled in light of an ancient and noble tradition.
Other creative activities for youth may be added to the lecture and onsite visit that is open to all.
