The land of the Hittites : $b An account of recent explorations and discoveries in Asia Minor, with descriptions of the Hittite monumentsGarstang, John
History
The land of the Hittites : $b An account of recent explorations and discoveries in Asia Minor, with descriptions of the Hittite monuments
Garstang, John
Hittites; Turkey -- Antiquities
Among the minor inscribed objects from Marash there should be mentioned
one, which is a fragment of basalt 10½ inches high and 8 inches wide,
inscribed with characters in high relief on two adjacent sides.[248]
There are also several uninscribed sculptures from Marash of peculiar
interest. The first is a slab of basalt 21 inches high, carved in
relief.[249] The subject is that of a female seated at a table facing
to the left; on her left knee[250] is a child, whose face is towards
the mother. In the right hand of the woman is a decorated mirror, or
something of that form; and in her left, which is extended over the
table, she holds a primitive five-stringed lyre, square in shape.[251]
Over the lyre is a bird often taken for a dove, but more nearly
resembling a vulture.[252] The counterpart to the figure, if such
existed, is broken away; the carving is crude and the surface worn.
Such details as are distinguishable, the robe, the hat, the chair and
table, seem to be similar respectively to those upon the sculpture of
the Ceremonial Feast from this place previously described. There is a
second uninscribed stone on which appears the emblem of a bird similar to
the other in outline and appearance.[253] In this case the subject shows
two figures, one on either side of a small two-legged table. That on the
right, which is seated, wears the same cylindrical hat as in the cases
just described. That on the left, which is standing, is clad in a long
robe, which, from such details as are visible, suggests the toga-like
garment which distinguishes the priestly class on certain monuments of
Asia Minor. The further hand of each is outstretched as usual, the one
holding a mirror and the other the bird; the latter feature, however,
is not carved with the same detail as in the case just quoted. Over
the right shoulder of the standing figure there seems to hang a bow of
the peculiar triangular form often depicted in ancient drawing.[254]
The cord, however, is not seen; and the stone is in general worn so
smooth that little detail can be discerned. The bow reappears on a third
uninscribed fragment, which probably resembled the former in subject
somewhat closely. On this a figure is shown standing before a two-legged
table, over which he holds aloft a curving bow with his extended left
hand. In his right hand, which is kept low, there may be seen two arrows,
while a quiver hangs at his waist. This stone is also very smooth-worn,
but some details of dress may still be recognised, notably the skull-cap
long robe with fringe, and turned-up shoes. The Hittite character of the
theme is sustained by the arrangement of the hair, which falls away in a
single thick cluster or curl behind the neck. A tassel is attached to the
waistbelt.[255]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account