Considérations relatives à un certain type d’artéfacts de culte découverts dans des établissements appartenant au complexe culturel Precucuteni - Cucuteni

Abstract

The present study focuses on a brief analysis of a certain type of cult artifacts of the Precucuteni-Cucuteni Cultural Complex less valued publishing and exhibition. Regarding the terminology used for these pieces, considering their frequency, form and functionality, we think that the most appropriate term is “bucranium”, which reproduces stylized “the consecration horns”, and not the terms “firedog” / “pot stand” (feuerbock – ger.; chenet – fr.) used previously. Besides the already mentioned pieces, belonging to the Precucuteni-Cucuteni-Tripolye Cultural Complex and other neo-eneolithic continental civilizations there are other artifacts or interior installations of some sanctuaries that presents the “consecration horns”. In this respect we mention the sanctuary from Sabatinovka II (Tripolie A). Also, horn-like shaped prominences guard the entries of certain sanctuary models that present the interior of the cult constructions, the case of the pieces from Ghelăieşti (Cucuteni B) or those from the Tripolye are . In the case of the sanctuary models that present a construction as a whole belonging also to the Tripolye area, the “bucrania” are placed in relief above the entrance or attached to the roof. “The consecration horns” are also represented by the backs of the thrones of the famous cult complexes from Poduri (Precucuteni II) and Isaiia (Precucuteni II), or even by the back of some benches like in the case from Târpeşti (Precucuteni III). Also, the “bucrania” appear numerous times in relief or painted on the Cucuteni vessels approximately in the shape of the letters “M” or “W”, such is the case of the pieces illustrated in the present study, from Târgu Ocna (Cucuteni B).

Keywords: Neolithic, Chalcolithic, Precucuteni-Cucuteni, bucrania, consecration horns, sanctuaries.