Keywords
Attic geometric pottery
cognitive archaeology
How to Cite
Abstract
The article deals with the ancient metrology and a possible recognition of the rules determining ornamentation observed on Attic geometric pottery. While referring to former studies, the author presents ornamentation of Attic geometric pottery, revealing an exceptional standardisation and repetitiveness of elements, as having two developmental tendencies. One concerns horizontal arrangement of decorative motifs, placed in surrounding belts, while the other decoration is put in vertical panels, focusing. These both tendencies in the course of development of Attic geometric period become one harmonized whole. It is also possible to demonstrate on an example of monumental became from Athens (inv. NM 804), that the vessel was exactly twice as tall as the biggest width of its body, as well as that ornaments covering its whole surface have been made according to an accepted module. The author suggests that such a way of thinking and ordering activities should not be interpreted as proving the beginnings of classical mathematical thinking, which is to develop later. However, metrological analyses of ancient artefacts suggests that such objects as Attic geometric pottery may permit recognition of already existing disposition of its creators for visual representations of experienced reality and for attempts made to generalize these experiences.
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