Worlds in Miniature: Contemplating Miniaturisation in Global Material Culture

Miniaturisation
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 miniaturisation as a material culture technique. It offers original contribution to the field of miniaturisation 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 one possible guide to
studying and comparing miniatures, the following chapters include studies of
miniature Neolithic stone circles on Exmoor, Ancient Egyptian miniature
assemblages, miniaturisation under colonialism as practiced by the Makah People
of Washington State, miniature surf boats from India, miniaturised 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. Professor Susanne Küchler concludes the volume with
a theoretical study summarising the current state of miniaturisation as a research
discipline. The interdisciplinary nature of the volume makes it suitable reading
for anthropologists, archaeologists, historians and artists, and for
researchers in related fields across the social sciences.