Cult Wagon of Strettweg, Bronze age archaeological find in Judenburg, Austria.
The Cult Wagon of Strettweg is a bronze ceremonial vessel from the Iron Age featuring a central female figure holding a bowl, surrounded by smaller human and animal figures mounted on a wheeled platform. The object displays intricate detail with horses, deer representations, and various people arranged around the main character.
The piece was discovered in 1851 within a grave and dates to the 6th century BCE during the Hallstatt culture. This finding demonstrated that peoples in Central Europe at that time already possessed advanced metalworking skills and complex spiritual practices.
The wagon reveals how people in this era expressed their spiritual beliefs and the importance of female figures in their religious ceremonies. The central female character suggests veneration of goddesses or priestesses who held significant roles in the community.
The original artifact is housed in the Universalmuseum Joanneum at Eggenberg Palace in Graz, while a replica is on display at the Judenburg museum. Visitors can see the original in Graz and then view the replica in Judenburg to learn more about local history.
The piece may have functioned as a drinking vessel or offering bowl used in ritual ceremonies, though its exact purpose remains unclear to this day. This mystery makes it particularly intriguing for researchers, as it allows for various interpretations about what the object was actually used for.
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