Statuette of a Wolf (6th–5th centuries BC, Ayrum)
Statuette of a Wolf | |
---|---|
Material | bronze |
Size | 6.5 x 1.6 x 3.8 cm |
Created | 6th–5th centuries BC |
Discovered | Ayrum, Armenia |
Present location | History Museum of Armenia |
Identification | 2225-26 |
Statuette of a Wolf, from the 6th to 5th centuries BC, is a bronze cast figure discovered in Ayrum, Armenia. It is included in the History Museum of Armenia's collection under the number 2225-26.
Description
Around the hole, there are considerate eyes, and a round snout linearly decorated. The wolf's mouth is open, showing its enormous teeth. The animal has a tense posture, its front legs are stretched in front, and its back legs are slightly bent. The paws include claws. The tail is long, with a curled tip. The wolf and the dog are associated with the underworld.[1]
Worship
Armenia's ancient belief of dogs was attributed to them being a guide for the dead souls towards the underworld and their ability to revive the dead. The statuette is, of course, for worship and portrays mythical creatures. Deities with the head of a dog, whose ancient Armenian pantheon were linked with death and the beliefs of resurrection.[2]
Legend
From the ancient stories about the
References
- ^ "Statuette of a Wolf – Armenian Treasury". Armenian Treasury (in Armenian). Retrieved 2017-02-01. [dead link]
- ^ a b Հայացք բրոնզե դարից, album-catalog, Հայաստանի պատմության թանգարան, 2016, 160 էջ: A Glance from the Bronze Age. Yerevan, History Museum of Armenia, 2016, 160 pages.
Further reading
- View from the Bronze Age, album-catalog, History Museum of Armenia, 2010
- Hasmik Israelian – Cults and Beliefs in the Late Bronze Age of Armenia, Yerevan, 1973