Bicha de Balazote (Biche of Balazote), National Archaeological Museum, Madrid at Spain is culture.

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Bicha de Balazote (Biche of Balazote)

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Biche of Balazote. National Archaeological Museum, Madrid © Santiago Relanzón. Fundación ITMA; Museo Arqueológico Nacional (N.I. 18529)

Category

Sculpture

Date

4th-5th century B.C.

Cultural background

Iberian

Original title

Bicha de Balazote

National Archaeological Museum
Madrid
Madrid

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This sculpture represents an androcephalic bull (a mythical animal with the body of a bull and a human head). It formed part of a funerary monument in which it performed the function of guardian and protector.

The head is sculptured from a different block to that used for the body. The mouth is small, the eyes large, there are the remains of horns (which have not been preserved), and below them the ears. The hair is indicated by tufts using a straight incision.

In terms of iconography it is identified with the representation of Achelous, a Greek river god. Combined with its features and general style this means it can be considered a work of Greek influence created on an underlying oriental base.