Numizmatičke Vijesti, Vol. 62 No. 73, 2020.
Izvorni znanstveni članak
Zoomorphic, Theriomorphic and Tetramorphic Symbols on Coins - part four
Robert Smajlagić
; Hrvatsko numizmatičko društvo, Zagreb, HR
Sažetak
In the fourth instalment the author studies the symbolism of the bull on coins.
Of all the zoomorphic symbols used during history, the bull symbolism went through
most changes and transformations, sometimes in the same regions and within the same
cultures. These transformations were known to happen when changes occurred in lunar
and solar beliefs, which changed the symbolism of the bull. Also, during time the bull
symbolism changed to the ox symbolism, thus resulting in a symbolical antithesis going
from strength and power to a symbol of sacrifice, obedience and docility.
Representations of the bull and other animals were linked to many deities in the
age of totemism, the practice of which was taken over from prehistoric ages. In all
paleo-oriental cultures the bull symbolised power and brute strength. Its symbolism is
very complex, both from the historical and psychological aspect. It was linked to the
symbolism of Taurus, and in the earliest cultures the bull symbolized fertility and a link
to the heavens and deities. He was equalized to the god Thor, son of the sky and forests.
He symbolized royal blood, and as an ancient symbol of mankind was used in religious
rituals and sacrifice in the service of the celebration of life, prosperity, nature and the
like. Basically, this symbolized the superiority of mammal over reptile.
The bull was the most frequently-shown tamed animal in the Middle East, appearing
both as lunar and as solar symbol. This difference resulted from the way in which the
lunar and solar cults were interchanged. The lunar bull became the solar bull when the
solar cult replaced the older cult of the moon. It is very possible that the bull was the
first and most important lunar symbol because it morphologically matches the moon
as its horns are similar to the crescent. In the solar cult of the lion, the bull symbolism
is of a secondary nature.
These interpretations were lost with the appearance of Early Christian art, in which,
as in the Romanesque period, the bull got a new iconographic meaning. At the same
time the bull symbol increasingly became replaced by the ox symbol, so it is sometimes
difficult to interpret the symbolism of the motif.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
259150
URI
Datum izdavanja:
29.11.2020.
Posjeta: 1.021 *