09-23-2009, 08:23 PM
The Gorgoneion is an old Apotropaion, a protection- and deterrence-symbol. In mythology, the cut-off head of the Gorgo Medusa was worn by Athena.
The horns surely have a similar meaning, the strength and power of animals (e. g. bulls) shall be transferred to the wearer of the helmet, who appears bigger and more ferocious.
The wheels are debatable. I suppose a connection to the underworld, because on a huge apulian-volutekrater they are shown hanging from the roof of the palace of Hades and Persephone.
The question, if the helmets with these fragile decorations (cut out of thin bronze sheets) were used in battle, is fully legitimate. These helmets were undoubtedly made in greek workshops, but I think they were actually worn by indigenous people. Compare apulian vases: the main customers were indigenous aristocrats. An often used term is "ceremonial armour", but a use of this armour in unknown ceremonies is hypothetical. Maybe these helmets were made exclusively for the burial, analogous to the apulian vases which should probably show wealth at the burial.
The horns surely have a similar meaning, the strength and power of animals (e. g. bulls) shall be transferred to the wearer of the helmet, who appears bigger and more ferocious.
The wheels are debatable. I suppose a connection to the underworld, because on a huge apulian-volutekrater they are shown hanging from the roof of the palace of Hades and Persephone.
The question, if the helmets with these fragile decorations (cut out of thin bronze sheets) were used in battle, is fully legitimate. These helmets were undoubtedly made in greek workshops, but I think they were actually worn by indigenous people. Compare apulian vases: the main customers were indigenous aristocrats. An often used term is "ceremonial armour", but a use of this armour in unknown ceremonies is hypothetical. Maybe these helmets were made exclusively for the burial, analogous to the apulian vases which should probably show wealth at the burial.
Jörg
