Eneolithic zoomorphic vessels from Wallachian Subcarpathians

Abstract

In Eneolithic settlements some vessels considered special were discovered, including those shaped like animals – zoomorphic vessels, and those imitating the human body – anthropomorphic vessels. Archaeological research in Romania has provided a number of zoomorphic vessels, included in a poor typological diversity. The eneolithic discoveries in northern Wallachia follow a similar pattern. In this study we aim to discuss several aspects that may be considered relevant to the functionality and role of this category of vessels. Along with the descriptive and typological analysis, we will make some correlations concerning the relationship between the primary context of discovery and the sparseness of these pieces, between the identified fauna and the executed model, the artistic quality and how representative it is of the typology of artefacts specific to this community. We will also reconsider certain findings, even though a critical analysis doesn’t represent the central object of this study.