Motiv und Symbol als Ausdrucksmittel der Bildsprache in der eisenzeitlichen Kunst

Abstract

The main object of this article is the codification of varieties of the problem of depictions by motifs, but also by symbols or ciphers: The first motif to mention is the arrival to the feast by horses and wagons or the processions with animals, of warriors or participants. Secondly, the so-called Epulum is to be named, celebrating, wining and dining, offering food and drink to participants and lovers. As part of the festival, musicians are playing the lyra and blowing the syrinx too, also dancers and a singing man can be seen. Finally, the contests, so-called Agones – „gymnic“ as fist fighting, so-called „Faustkampf“, „hippic“ as horse- and chariot racing, and „music“ as acting perfomance of musicians – are named. But in order to represent the festivities in full complexity on one frieze, the artist has to use ciphers as well.

Keywords

• Situla Art, Central Europa, Representations of festivities and rituals, Decoding of motifs and symbols, Iron Age