Symbols of salvation? – function, semantics and social context of Early Bronze Age ritual equipment from Central Anatolia

Abstract

The following contribution re-evaluates some well known metal items from the central Ana-tolian Early Bronze Age, commonly referred to as “ceremonial standards” or “sistra”. The enormous popularity and even over-familiarity of these extraordinary objects needs to be contrasted with what we actually know about their original function, social context and eventual role as elaborate funerary gis. This paper therefore aims to critically reappraise and re-evaluate the numerous contributions made on this maer in order to discuss their function and/or cultural aliation, and in doing so propose some further considerations regarding their actual meaning and social context in the light of recent research.