Zwischen Kommunikation und Distinktion

This study investigates the significance of figural art in prehistoric times, for which Early Latène art is an ideal topic as to find numbers and the present state of research. The basis for this are some 1,200 representations of humans and animals of Lt A-B [ca. 450-250 B. C.], some two thirds of which come from graves. Main motifs are birds, human heads, and mythical beasts [“animal-headed lyres”] mainly found on brooches, ring jewellery, belts, vessels, etc. Analyses refer to individual motifs, relations between them, carrier media, and interpretations, e. g. as part of myths or certain characteristics. The potential of motif analysis is illustrated by the leaf crown and the potnia/despotes theron. Birds were linked to fibulae in 90% of cases, human heads to ring jewellery in female graves, animal-headed lyres to belt hooks in male graves. Early Latène art was subject to cultural convention and a means of communication and distinction. In princely graves, the borders of gender-specific grave goods is blurred and Mediterranean motifs imply new religious ideas. The lack of scenic representation may be explained by evoking isolated characteristics such as power, wisdom, speed, or protection.