The Cult-Wagon of Liptovský Hrádok: First evidence of using the Urnfield cult-wagons as fat-powered lamps

Abstract

In the recent past, the archaeological community in European countries has drawn attention to a unique find of bronze ornithomorphic plastic artworks (11th –10th cent. BC), coming from the extensive hoard from the territory of the Liptov Basin (Central Slovakia), belonging in terms of art to the crucial artefacts of the European Bronze Age. A detailed GC/MS analysis of the vessel has also contributed to the scientific discussion of the exceptionally significant data on the signals of animal fat with a prehistoric origin, which confirms the earlier hypothesis on the use of this type of vessels as ceremonial lamps. Although the view of the item is limited by the fragmentary nature of the archaeological research, we now have, 150 years since a similar finding, further evidence of advanced spiritual thinking and sophisticated ritual activities that point to a fascinating mythological universe of the Bronze Age.