Shared Ideologies and Identity Markers in the Late Iron Age Carpathian Basin

The Zoomorphic Brooches of the 4th Century BC

Abstract

The 4th century BC is characterized by increased cultural dynamics in the Carpathian Basin. The eastward spread of the La Tène culture led to significant social structure modifications and the creation of mixed communities, which in turn spurred the appearance of specific artistic manifestations. The results of these cultural interactions can be noticed in the costumes from this period. The zoomorphic ring brooches are evidence of the interactions between local inhabitants and newcomers, but also show the level of mobility characteristic of this period. Their way of wear, noticeable in the entire Carpathian Basin, indicates shared beliefs and common ideologies acknowledged by the members of the communities. The way in which the brooches conform to the person wearing them reminds us of the »Mistress of the Animals« motif which, although common in both the Celtic environment and South-eastern Europe, seems to have had different meanings in those areas.