A Catalog of Early Cycladic Zoomorphic Objects: Symbolism and Function

Abstract

During the Early Cycladic period of the Aegean Bronze Age (ca. 3200-2000 BCE), the inhabitants of the Cycladic islands produced three-dimensional zoomorphic objects, many of which survive today. This study cataloged 128 known zoomorphic objects from the Early Cycladic culture. Additionally, the materials and techniques believed to have been used to create the objects were analyzed. The objects were also analyzed and interpreted based on types of object and animal representations. Five object categories were identified: beads, vessels, protomes, figurines, and pins. The zoomorphic representations are distributed among these object categories. To arrive at the conclusions of symbolism and function of the objects from an art historical perspective, archaeological, anthropological, and iconographic evidence was closely examined. It was also necessary to research the Neolithic origins of the Early Cycladic peoples to make cultural comparisons. The resulting conclusions are that the objects were multifunctional and polyvalent, according to the individual making use of the object.