Women's Contribution to Serbian Culture of the Middle Ages Cover Image

Допринос жена српској култури средњег века
Women's Contribution to Serbian Culture of the Middle Ages

Author(s): Svetlana Tomin
Subject(s): Cultural history, Gender history, 13th to 14th Centuries, 15th Century, Theory of Literature
Published by: Филолошки факултет, Универзитет у Београду
Keywords: Middle Ages in Serbia;female rulers;women writers;manuscripts

Summary/Abstract: The role of women in the medieval Serbia was indeed remarkable. They were engaged in cultural and spiritual activities and took active part in public affairs and political negotiations. They also appeared as female rulers and creators of literary works and took part in cultural events. Some of the women from the ruling and aristocratic families had books translated and transcribed for them, they ordered icons, had churches and monasteries built and oversaw their decoration. The field in which women excelled particularly in the Middle Ages was creative church embroidery. Many important embroidery pieces have been preserved as valuable art works created by women. However, in spite of the obvious interest, a complete study about the women’s role in different fields of creativity in the Middle Ages has not been written yet. This review, dedicated to listing of some of their activities, is conceived as a small contribution in this direction. It indicates the activity of the most important medieval women: Queen Jelena of Anjou, Empress Jelena, Duchess Milica, Jephimia the Nun, Jelena Balšic, and Angelina Brankovic

  • Issue Year: 2013
  • Issue No: 3
  • Page Range: 176-191
  • Page Count: 16
  • Language: Serbian