Terracotta Altar of the Vinča Culture with Animal Heads

Culture: Southeastern Europe

Period: 5500-4500 B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 10.8 cm x 9 cm

Price: Sold

Ref: 5229

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. With TL-test from the University of Vienna confirming the age of the altar.

Condition: Intact

Description: Terracotta altar on three legs, which transform on the ends into sculptural animal heads. The stylized heads with button eyes, bulging round noses and backwards turning horns possibly depicting rams. Between a deep bowl, where offerings were presented. At the bottom of the altar four tenons. The vessel painted with red and brown colors is decorated with abundant incised decoration on the outside. As the earliest European sedentary culture, the people of the Vinča region were already engaged in livestock breeding and agriculture. Domesticated animals also included sheep, which were worshiped through altars like the present one. Probably from the Vinča – belo brdo excavation site in Serbia. Comes with TL-test.