The Phenomen of Anthropomorphic idol-shaped Steles in the Greek apoikia

Anatolian archaeology. 2025. No. 5. P. 1–13.

Stoyanov R.

This article focuses on the problems of localization, cultural interpretation, and the development of the tradition of using these monuments within the regions of Greek colonization along the coasts of the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. In the northern Black Sea region, the reliefs are divided into two types. The first type includes tombstones in the form of human busts in high relief (Fig. 1. 1). The second type includes tombstones with anthropomorphic images in low relief or cut by lines (Fig. 1. 2). Sculptural groups are represented by stelae with a round or oval "head" on a rectangular or trapezoidal base and paired busts with a common "body type" (Fig. 1. 3-4). The combination of an anthropomorphic stele or relief with a rectangular stele of the "Greek type" has only been recorded in Tauric Chersonesos (Figs. 2. 1-3). Another region where anthropomorphic sculpture was widespread is Anatolia. Idol-like anthropomorphic stelae and reliefs have been found in Phrygia since prehistoric times (Fig. 3. 1-2). Findings of such mo-numents in Greek necropolises in the region are extremely rare. One stele was discovered outside the necropolis of Assos (Fig. 3. 3-4). Differences in the form and semantics of the monuments within these regions indicate the interrelated development of this type of sculpture. Furthermore, in each of the identified regi-ons, anthropomorphic stelae and reliefs exemplify intercultural interaction and communication. The local characteristics of these monuments highlight their originality and allow us to tentatively trace the extent and nature of cultural transformations in different parts of the ancient world during the 7th to 2nd centuries BC.

Keywords: Archaeology of the Black Sea region, Tombstones, Anatolia, anthropomorphic sculpture, Mother Goddess