Abstract
The Power of the Word : Adam and the Animals in the Tapestry of Gerona - A scene from the tapestry of Gerona (llth-12th century) depicts Adam naming the animals created by God. The author explores the significance of this scene and suggests three interpretations. The first pertains to the magic powers which were believed to be inherent in the Word, an ancient belief which was later adopted by Christian Theology and which, in the case of Gerona, may be connected with the Myth of Orpheus. But the scene may also be interpreted as an allegory of society where each animal represents a social group. Lastly, the power to bestow names attributed to Adam served to illustrate another, similar power, one which had a great influence in Gerona : that of the Gregorian Reform affecting the clerics.
Published Version
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