Hedgehog Vessel from Greece, c.2800-2300 BCE: this vessel was created nearly 4,800 years ago, and it depicts a hedgehog resting on its haunches with a cup clasped in its paws [3996×4584]
Hedgehog Vessel from Greece, c.2800-2300 BCE: this vessel was created nearly 4,800 years ago, and it depicts a hedgehog resting on its haunches with a cup clasped in its paws [3996×4584]
This terracotta vessel was discovered during excavations at the cemetery of Chalandriani, which is located on the island of Syros, and it’s attributed to the Cycladic culture of Greece.
The figurine measures just 10.8cm tall. Most of the body is hollow, and an opening in the side of the cup connects to the hedgehog’s chest, allowing liquids to pour from the cup into the inner chamber of the figurine.
> It is generally interpreted as a hedgehog (*Erinaceus concolor*), an animal which can still be found on several Cycladic islands. The back is decorated with a netted pattern of crossing lines, perhaps representing the spikes. In its paws it holds a common conical cup which is connected through an opening to the hollow body of the animal.
> … the animal has a painted cross-hatching or “net” pattern on its back, while on its belly, legs and paws a series of parallel, horizontal lines are painted. The lines on the animal’s back could signify the rows of spines on a hedgehog, especially since the animal appears to be in a ‘hunched’ position at the shoulders. Similarly, the horizontal lines on the abdomen may signify the motion of the hedgehog when it rolls itself into its characteristic ball shape.
> Hedgehogs were prevalent across the Aegean in the Bronze Age and still are today. Because they are known to hibernate, they are associated with Death and Regeneration, which explains why they are often found in cemeteries and tombs. Ancient beliefs include the power to rejuvenate, beautify, have an influence over sexual activity, and ability to heal wounds (when the fat of the animal is applied).
Some early sources describe the vessel as a “small bear” instead, though there is no evidence that bears have ever inhabited the Cycladic islands.
Hedgehog-shaped vessels have also been found at several other Bronze Age cemeteries throughout the Cyclades, but this is by far the most eye-catching (and most well-preserved) example.
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This terracotta vessel was discovered during excavations at the cemetery of Chalandriani, which is located on the island of Syros, and it’s attributed to the Cycladic culture of Greece.
The figurine measures just 10.8cm tall. Most of the body is hollow, and an opening in the side of the cup connects to the hedgehog’s chest, allowing liquids to pour from the cup into the inner chamber of the figurine.
According to [this article:](https://pure.rug.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/10421517/c4.pdf)
> It is generally interpreted as a hedgehog (*Erinaceus concolor*), an animal which can still be found on several Cycladic islands. The back is decorated with a netted pattern of crossing lines, perhaps representing the spikes. In its paws it holds a common conical cup which is connected through an opening to the hollow body of the animal.
[This paper](https://shareok.org/bitstream/handle/11244/50847/2017_Ashbacher_Mariah_Thesis.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y) also adds:
> … the animal has a painted cross-hatching or “net” pattern on its back, while on its belly, legs and paws a series of parallel, horizontal lines are painted. The lines on the animal’s back could signify the rows of spines on a hedgehog, especially since the animal appears to be in a ‘hunched’ position at the shoulders. Similarly, the horizontal lines on the abdomen may signify the motion of the hedgehog when it rolls itself into its characteristic ball shape.
> Hedgehogs were prevalent across the Aegean in the Bronze Age and still are today. Because they are known to hibernate, they are associated with Death and Regeneration, which explains why they are often found in cemeteries and tombs. Ancient beliefs include the power to rejuvenate, beautify, have an influence over sexual activity, and ability to heal wounds (when the fat of the animal is applied).
Some early sources describe the vessel as a “small bear” instead, though there is no evidence that bears have ever inhabited the Cycladic islands.
Hedgehog-shaped vessels have also been found at several other Bronze Age cemeteries throughout the Cyclades, but this is by far the most eye-catching (and most well-preserved) example.
#Sources & More Info:
– University of Groningen: [The Early Bronze Age Cemetery at Chalandriani on Syros](https://pure.rug.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/10421517/c4.pdf) (PDF)
– University of Oklahoma: [Zoomorphic Representations in Early Cycladic Art](https://shareok.org/bitstream/handle/11244/50847/2017_Ashbacher_Mariah_Thesis.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y) (PDF)
– The National Archaeological Museum in Athens: [Collection of Cycladic Antiquities](https://www.namuseum.gr/en/collection/syllogi-kykladikon-archaiotiton/)