Worlds in Miniature: Contemplating Miniaturisation in Global Material Culture

Miniaturization is the creation of small objects that resemble larger ones, usually but not always for purposes different to those of the larger original object. Worlds in Miniature brings together researchers working across various regions, time periods and disciplines to explore the subject of miniaturization as a material culture technique. It offers original contributions to the field of miniaturization through its broad geographical scope, interdisciplinary approach, and deep understanding of miniatures and their diverse contexts.

Beginning with an introduction by the editors, which offers a guide to studying and comparing miniatures, the following chapters include studies of miniature Neolithic stone circles on Exmoor, Ancient Egyptian miniature assemblages, miniaturization under colonialism as practiced by the Makah People of Washington State, miniature watercraft from India, miniaturized contemporary tourist art of the Warao people of Venezuela, and dioramas on display in the Science Museum. Interspersing the chapters are interviews with miniature-makers, including two miniature boat builders at the National Maritime Museum, Cornwall and a freelance architectural model maker. The interdisciplinary nature of the volume makes it suitable reading for anthropologists, historians, archaeologists, artists, and researchers in related fields across the social sciences.