Pelekyphoros – ein »Waräger« aus Köln

Abstract

This article revolves around a small middle Byzantine (approx. 1000-1100) ivory fitting, which is part of the collection of the Schnütgen Museum in Cologne and previously belonged to the decoration of a valuable »rosette casket« for jewelleryand other precious items. In flat relief the fitting depicts a semi-nude warrior with long axe and spatha. While the Scandinavian axe suggests a Nordic-Anglo-Saxon axe bearer (»Varangian«) from the Byzantine palatial environment, habitus, beard, hairstyle and defensive arms comply with conventions of the representation of late Roman gladiators. Therefore, the article regards the fitting as drollery of the Byzantine upper class, where playfulness in dealing with non-Christian ancient motives and satiric references to phenomena of the time were part of the worldly life of luxury.