Neolithic Zoomorphic Face Lid of the Vinča Culture

Culture: Southeastern Europe

Period: 5000-4500 B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 10.5 cm x 10.5 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 5228

Provenance: From the well known Vinča collection of Dusan Jovanovic (1956-2015), since 1970 in Austria. With a copy of an old collection picture from the 1970s. Accompanied by a TL test.

Condition: Intact

Description: Large expressive terracotta lid in form of a bird’s face, possibly an owl from the Neolithic Vinča culture. The cylindrical lid with a long, finely ribbed, pointy beak and raised, angular ears. The sickle-shaped eyes sculpturally protruding. The entire lid is decorated with incised lines and punched dots. On the back two perforations for suspension on the vessel. Zoomorphic lids such as the present one had apotropaic functions and should protect important storage vessels. See for the type the so-called “Prosopomorphic Lid Faces” in the archaeologic collection of the Faculty of Philosophy in Belgrade and the Belgradian City Museum. Possibly from the excavation site Vinča – belo brdo in Serbia. Accompanied by a TL test of the University of Vienna.