PT Journal
AU Profantova, N
   Plevova, A
TI Motif of a squat dancing figure on an 8th century ornament from the northern edge of Prague
SO Staleta Praha
PY 2020
BP 60
EP 69
VL 36
IS 2
DI 10.56112/sp.2020.2.03
WP https://staletapraha.cz/en/artkey/pha-202002-0003.php
DE Bohemia - Avar type belt mount - motif of a naked dancing woman - Early Middle Ages - Prague
SN 02316056
AB The bronze belt fitting found in 2020 in Prague 8-Dolni Chabry lacks the finds' circumstances. The fitting with the motif of a squat dancing naked figure with a neck ring and hands in an adoration gesture is unique. The same multiple motifs are on mid-8th century strap end found in the equestrian grave at Nove Zamky in Slovakia. This anthropomorphic motif, evidenced on less than ten sites in Bohemia, can convey a version of the ritual (dancing priestess or goddess) or a heroic legend, modified by the local environment. The closest analogies of anthropomorphic motifs come from sites at Prague-Sarka and Kosor / Prague-Radotin and definitely relate to the late Classical tradition. If the fitting comes from Dolni Chabry, it is the earliest early medieval find in the cadastre of the former village (now Prague).
ER