Born: 1906 (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Died: 1993
Biography:
Mary Ross Ellingson (1906–1993) was a 20th-century Classical archaeologist who made significant contributions to the field, particularly in the study of terracotta figurines in ancient Greece. Born as Helen Madeline Mary Ross in 1906 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, she showed early academic promise and attended the University of Alberta, where she focused on classical languages and culture. Alongside her studies, Ellingson developed a passion for journalism and served as the editor of The Gateway newspaper. She also contributed articles to The Edmonton Bulletin, a local non-collegiate newspaper.
In 1930, Ellingson’s pursuit of archaeology led her to enroll as a graduate student at Johns Hopkins University, under the tutelage of David Moore Robinson. The following year, she joined Robinson’s excavations at the ancient city of Olynthus in northeastern Greece. During her time at Olynthus, Ellingson played a crucial role in supervising the excavation of houses on the site, a departure from the traditional focus on public buildings. This groundbreaking approach brought forth new insights into the domestic life of ancient Greece and revolutionized the field of classical archaeology.
Notably, Ellingson documented the excavation process through photography, creating comprehensive albums of documentary photographs. These images not only showcased the archaeological techniques employed during the dig but also shed light on the daily life of the crew in the nearby village of Myriophyto. Her dedication to recording the excavation was not limited to visual documentation. Ellingson also maintained her own set of excavation records, meticulously documenting all the terracotta figurines unearthed during the dig.
In her master’s thesis, Ellingson analyzed both the figurines themselves and their archaeological context, revealing that they were not solely used in public spaces like shrines but also in domestic settings. Building on this research, her doctoral dissertation expanded the scope to include a wider sample of figurines from other sites in Greece and the Balkans. Ellingson’s groundbreaking findings demonstrated the cultural significance of terracotta figurines in everyday ancient Greek life.
However, despite her significant contributions, Ellingson’s work did not receive proper recognition at the time. In a highly unfortunate turn of events, David Moore Robinson, her mentor, took credit for her research and published it under his own name. This act of plagiarism went undetected until 2014 when Ellingson’s role as the true author of the work came to light. The subsequent revelations not only exposed Robinson’s unethical practices but also brought long-overdue recognition to Ellingson’s pioneering research in the field of classical archaeology.
Throughout her career, Mary Ross Ellingson faced various challenges and obstacles, including the erasure of her contributions. However, her dedication, passion, and groundbreaking research have solidified her legacy in the field of classical archaeology. By shedding light on the use of terracotta figurines in ancient Greece and challenging prevailing assumptions about their function, Ellingson has left an indelible impact on the understanding of ancient Greek material culture. Her work continues to inspire and inform researchers today, making her a significant figure in women’s history and the field of archaeology.