 | 8557 | (none) | (none) | B17086 | Limestone plaque.
Fragment of,
with sculptured scene in relief. The plaque is 027 wide and was probably a square: there are holes at the bottom corners and there was a whole in the centre, its edge coming 013 from the base line. Only the lower part of the panel was found and the upper fractures run aslant downwards from the central hole so that the upper corners of the lower scene are missing. There were 3 registers: the top most is wholly missing: of the two side scenes flanking the central hole there remain only, on each side, the feet of a human figure: the lower scene is largely intact and in very good condition.
Scene: an empty chariot drawn by 4 lions and escorted by 3 men. One man in front guides the lions: figure preserved from the waist downwards. The lions are preserved all except their heads: the bodies and legs are shown in outline one behind the other: they advance right and the drawing shows a good idea of strain. The chariot is 2-wheeled, only one wheel shown, a solid wood and wheel made of 3 pieces -riveted- clamped together, with rim tyre and decorated axle-head. The yoke is high and curved, and has, rising above it, a ring for the reins, which pass across to the back of the chariot, and are held by a walking attendant. Under the spring of the yoke are tied 2 spears. Over the chariot is spread a spotted object, probably a leopard's skin, most of it inside the car whose sides are left visible -- in front of the car rises a high peak to which -are- is attached what may be a quiver full of arrows.
The attendant behind the car holds the reins and carries a spear or goad: he wears a beard and long hair or wig, and a kaunakes skirt: the face is bird-like. The man behind him is similarly dressed: head and shoulders missing: both hands are raised in front to grasp of pole which seems to rest on his shoulder and support an object hanging behind his back, perhaps a jar or water-skin(?)
Remarkable piece of archaic relief. Broken and mended.
Thickness 0025 |