Among other treasures too numerous to name (including Hoppers painted in North Truro and a Gutenberg Bible) is the coin collection featuring one bearing the aviary likenesses of the Capitoline Triad — the holy trinity of the Romans, consisting of Jupiter/eagle, Juno/peacock and Minerva/owl.
According to Wikipedia, the Roman religious triad (see Georges Dumézil) revived the Proto-Indo-European religious “trifunctional” model. The highest deity (Jupiter) is endowed with religious, magic and legal powers and prerogatives; the next highest deity (Minerva) represents braveness and military prowess; and the third (Juno) embodies common human worldly values such as fertility. Such a tripartite structure exists in religion and myths from India to Scandinavia and Ireland. It had disappeared from most societies other than India since prehistoric times until revival in ancient Rome.
Can the same be said of the performing arts? Is there a tripartite hierarchy of magic, prowess, and connection to common human worldly values? If so, where in that hierarchy does dance stand? These questions are critical to understanding dance as a form of ecstatic expression. Your thoughts much appreciated.
Don’t forget to stop in at Sal’s or Pepe’s Pizza on Wooster Square. Pepe’s “original” is cheeseless except for a touch of parmesan.