Original scientific paper

SOME SYMBOLS FOUND ON MEDIEVAL TOMBSTONES IN DALMATIA

Marian Wenzel

Abstract

The medieval tombstones in Dalmatia, belonging to the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, are characterized by certain enigmatic symbols which they display. These are the double spiral, and two kinds of symbol which resemble, and yet differ from, the traditional fleur-de-lys. Because of their difference, and geographical location, the author designated them as Imotski symbol A and Imotski symbol B. It is observed that the Imotski symbol A has usually a loop at the top, and thereby resembles the Egyptian sign for life, the c r u x a n s a t a. In lower Hercegovina, around Stolac and Nevesinje, the c r u x a n s a t a appears on a number of medieval tombstones of the same date as those in Dalmatia. Evidence is shown that in classical times this symbol was used in the same regions, where it was connected with a female deity of possibly Egyptian origin, and that it was probably retained as a female symbol of regeneration in the Middle Ages. The double spiral is likewise shown to have a female significance of antique origin.
The traditional fleur-de-lys, on the other hand, which more strongly resembles the Imotski sybol B, is shown to have been connected both with the Tree of Life and with the Passion of Christ. A fifteenth century German reference is given where the fleur-de-lys is substituted for the Cross of Christ, and indeed, the cross and the fleur-de-lys are frequently joined in representations of the Imotski symbol B.
It is therefore concluded that on these tombstones the double spiral and the Imotski symbol A were used as magical, female symbols of regeneration, but that the Imotski symbol B had a male significance, that of Christ.

Keywords

Hrčak ID:

148291

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/148291

Publication date:

1.2.1963.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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