Concerning the symbolic meaning of metal tools replicas (on the Bronze Age materials from the Near East)
Abstract
The paper considers a series of archaeological
finds from the Near East dating from the Bronze
Age. Specific group of metal objects from the outstanding
burials includes non-functional replicas of tools made
of valuable materials, including noble metals. The finds
are divided into two sets related to mans and womans
activity - carpenter tools and spindles. To interpret their
symbolism the author draws ancient written texts and
images. The analysis evidences that making symbolic
replicas of tools using valuable materials was a characteristic
feature of ideology in the early class societies
of the Near East. Such artifacts visualized hierarchical
social structure. Their presence in the burials of persons
of high social rank points to the social significance of the
replicas ritually used by the ruler as the organizer and
keeper of social system in the Near Eastern city-states.
finds from the Near East dating from the Bronze
Age. Specific group of metal objects from the outstanding
burials includes non-functional replicas of tools made
of valuable materials, including noble metals. The finds
are divided into two sets related to mans and womans
activity - carpenter tools and spindles. To interpret their
symbolism the author draws ancient written texts and
images. The analysis evidences that making symbolic
replicas of tools using valuable materials was a characteristic
feature of ideology in the early class societies
of the Near East. Such artifacts visualized hierarchical
social structure. Their presence in the burials of persons
of high social rank points to the social significance of the
replicas ritually used by the ruler as the organizer and
keeper of social system in the Near Eastern city-states.
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