Tálas László szerk.: The late neolithic of the Tisza region (1987)

Öcsöd-Kováshalom (P. Raczky)

P. RACZKY Reconstruction of an anthropomorphic vase depicting an enthroned female figurine with incised geometric decoration. Classical Tisza culture. H: 23.6 cm [32] mentation are in a certain sense unique. Foremost among these is the model of a house or sanctuary with upright walls and a pitched roof. Only the framework of the building is indicated; the floor is lacking. Its surface is covered with incised patterns (RACZKY et al. 1985, PI. 26. 1). Another unique specimen is a small bowl set on a quadrangular fenestrated pedestal, with the lower part probably representing a small building - perhaps a sanctuary. A shallow groove encircling a small depression in the centre of the base probably symbolises the altar. It is covered with a red slip onto which was applied a pastose yellow paint, also used in ornamenting the interior of the small bowl. The bowl probably served for liquid offerings, i.e. libatio sacrifices. This model can thus be seen as the expression of a complex set of symbols. The simplest altars consisted of a bowl set on a low quadrangular base that was usually lavishly ornamented with incised meandric patterns. An altar or a sanctuary supported by five posts was painted in black onto an amphora-shaped vessel (RACZKY 1985, Fig. 7. 2). It is topped by a triangle and two wavy lines, most probably the stylized indication of animal heads (GIMBUTAS 1974, 74-80 and PI. 40). Other anthropomorphic representations can likewise be regarded as material reflections of various sacred beliefs. Fragments of a statuette modelling an enthroned, masked male figure belongs to the category of independent small sculptures, whilst an enthroned female figurine can be ranged with the anthropomorphic vessels, matched by the Venuses of Kökénydomb (BANNER 1942a, 458-463; 1959, 14-35). The characteristic M motif of the Szakáihát face pots can be seen on the Öcsöd fragment suggesting that the symbols of the Tisza culture were firmly rooted in local traditions. Szakálhát-type face pots characteristic of the early Tisza phase and small jugs with a human face representation and incised textile patterns diagnostic of the classical Tisza period were both unearthed at Öcsöd. Small brick-like flat figurines, mostly depicting the female body, represent a highly stylised variant of independent small sculptures. The local precursors to this type are to be found in the Alföld Linear Pottery. Especially noteworthy is a singlebreasted small fragment whose back bears a comb-like human representation encountered also in other ritual contexts. Small 78