Analysis of the Vessels from the Panagyurishte Treasure (Part Two)
In the first part, we analyzed the rhytons in the shape of animal heads, examining their masterful craftsmanship and their connection to Thracian culture. These artifacts reveal not only the exceptional level of Thracian goldsmithing but also important aspects of the beliefs of the ancient Thracians. It is important to note that a detailed analysis of the vessels from the Panagyurishte Treasure helps us understand their significance, purpose, and historical context. In this second part of the Analysis of the Vessels from the Panagyurishte Treasure, we will continue examining other important vessels, including those in the shape of animal protomes and the rhytons in the shape of an Amazon’s head.
Rhytons in the Shape of Animal Protomes
Fourth Rhyton
This rhyton differs in shape from the previous three. However, its mouth also has a rim decorated with a pearl ornament on top and egg-shaped ornaments on the outside. Below the rim, the neck is decorated with relief images. Unlike the other rhytons, the lower part of this one does not end with an animal head, but with the front part of a goat’s body (protome). The details around the snout, nose, and eyes are precisely depicted. Interestingly, the smooth snout contrasts with the long-haired beard, forehead, and neck. Additionally, the fur on the front legs is formed in tufts resembling curved flames.
On the front of the chest, there is a projection with an opening for liquid to flow out. The goat’s horns are long and curved backward. Although the rhyton is taller and has no handle, it can be held comfortably through the body, allowing a different composition of the relief images on the neck. As with the previous rhytons, four deities are depicted on it.
For example, Hera is looking toward the protome, seated on a throne. On one side of Hera is Artemis, and on the other side – Apollo. In addition, between them, on the back of the rhyton, is the goddess of victory, Nike. The figures of Artemis, Apollo, and Nike are shown in motion, with this most strongly felt in Nike. It is important to note that the names of the gods are inscribed with dotted lines next to their images.
Rhytons in the Shape of an Amazon’s Head
Another group of vessels from the Panagyurishte Treasure includes three jugs in the shape of a female head, which share a similar construction. They have a mouth decorated with pearls on top and egg-shaped ornaments on the sides. Each jug has a four-sided handle ending with a figure of a winged sphinx with a long, curved tail. The bodies of these jugs are in the shape of a female head, with a widened base. Unlike the rhytons, these jugs have a special drinking opening placed in a medallion with a depiction of a lion’s head. The opening is located in the mouth of the lion, indicating that the jugs were used as rhytons.
Fifth Rhyton
The neck of this vessel is separated from the body by a band of egg-shaped ornaments, similar to those on the mouth. The main part of the rhyton represents a female head. The hair is depicted with parallel, slightly curved lines, wrapped in a thin veil. The expanded neck forming the base is decorated with a necklace of small relief beads and leaf-shaped pendants. In the center is placed a lion’s head with a drinking opening. The handle, shaped like a winged sphinx, is crafted with exceptional detail, with each feather precisely made. Notably, the two wings are not identical. The lower end of the handle ends with a plant ornament.
Sixth Rhyton
This rhyton is similar to the fifth, but with differences in decoration. For example, the necklace on the female head has two rows of leaves between the beads, while in the fifth rhyton there is only one. The ears of the sphinx are decorated with earrings.
Seventh Rhyton
This rhyton is of the same type as the fifth and sixth but lacks a neck separating the upper part of the vessel from the main body. The woman’s head is not covered with a veil but is surrounded by curly locks of hair. On the sides of the helmet, there are two large griffins, crafted with significant detail – the teeth are visible in their beaks, and their legs and claws are precisely depicted. Their wings are formed by small semi-circular feathers in front and long feathers at the back. Their tails descend under the wings and curve decoratively around the plant ornament beneath the handle.
These rhytons show that the depiction represents an Amazon, which is especially evident in the third rhyton – a female head with a fantastical helmet.
Literature:
Venedikov, Ivan. The Panagyurishte Gold Treasure. Sofia, Bulgarian Artist Publishing House
Media:
Authorial material – Dr. Pavel Tsvetankov
See More
Analysis of the Artifacts (Part One)
Analysis of the Artifacts (Part Three)
