The Bone and Ivory Objects from Gordion

Gordion is a significant site for understanding central Anatolia's culture over 3,000 years, from the Bronze Age to the Medieval period. The hundreds of bone and ivory artifacts excavated at Gordion provide insight into the tools used in crafts and manufacturing processes, decorative items, artistic developments, and trading connections with other regions. The artifacts, including ivory horse trappings, demonstrate the cultural confluence of the Phrygian milieu. Bone was also used for high-quality items such as inlays set into wooden furniture.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 584 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2023
Publisher: University Museum Publications

Gordion, a remarkable site spanning over 3,000 years of central Anatolian culture, holds immense significance in understanding the evolution of human civilization. From the Bronze Age to the Medieval period, Gordion stands out as a pivotal era, particularly renowned for its Iron Age horizon when it served as the royal capital of the mighty Phrygian kingdom. The extensive excavation efforts at Gordion have unearthed a vast collection of bone and ivory artifacts, forming one of the largest and most significant assemblages of its kind in the Near East. These artifacts offer a profound insight into various aspects of human existence, providing a window into the tools, techniques, decorative items, artistic developments, and trade connections of the time.

Ivory, a highly prized material in many regions of the eastern Mediterranean, holds a special place in the artifacts from Gordion. The objects discovered at Gordion showcase a wide range of features common in other contemporary ivory-working centers, as well as unique motifs and styles that emerged within the Phrygian milieu. A notable example is the unique assemblage of ivory horse trappings from the Early Phrygian Citadel, which vividly illustrates the cultural confluence of the time. While bone was primarily used for practical purposes, there are numerous instances where bone was skillfully employed to create high-quality items, such as intricate inlays set into wooden furniture, as evidenced at Gordion. Even the humble sheep knuckle bone, adorned with incised designs and letters, provides a glimpse into the daily life and customs of the community.

In conclusion, Gordion is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, offering a unparalleled glimpse into the past. The hundreds of bone and ivory artifacts excavated at the site provide a rich and diverse material that sheds light on various aspects of human civilization, from tools and techniques to artistic developments and trade connections. The artifacts from Gordion constitute a significant addition to our understanding of the Near East and contribute to our appreciation of the rich tapestry of human history.

Dimension: 279 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781949057171