A statue of a pig from the Martvili Museum of Local Lore
Abstract
The bronze sculpture of a pig (8th–7th centuries BCE), preserved in the Martvili Museum of Local Lore, represents one of the most remarkable examples of Colchian bronze art. This paper is devoted to a comprehensive study of this unique artifact and an examination of the pig (boar) cult in pre-Christian Georgia. The sculpture stands out for its expressive plastic composition and distinct phallic symbolism. The research includes a comparative analysis of archaeological, ethnological, and iconographic materials, confirming the widespread presence of the pig cult throughout pre-Christian Georgia and its association with the Great Mother cult, as well as with fertility and purification rituals. Special attention is given to analogous finds from archaeological sites such as Vani, Narekvavi, Armaziskhevi, Aragvispiri, Zguderi, and others, where pig depictions are linked to religious-ritual practices and Mithraic traditions. The paper discusses the genesis of the pig cult, its connections with Colchian-Greek mythology (the myth of Circe), and its later transformation during the Christian era. The study supports the hypothesis that the Martvili sculpture was an element of a cultic standard, produced in a local workshop, reflecting the distinctive features of Colchian culture and the synthesis of Eastern and Greek artistic traditions
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Description of tables:
Tab. I-1. Pig statue (profile), bronze, VIII-VII centuries BC. From the the Martvili Museum of Local Lore.
Tab. I-2. The same sculpture from the side of the abdomen.
Tab. I-3. The same statue in Anfas.
Tab. I-4. Pig statue, bronze, BC year VI-V centuries. Narekvavi, # 41 tomb.
Tab. I-5. Cross-legged pendant figure of boar, gold, Armaziskhevi, Tomb #6.
Tab. I-6. Bracelet decorated with sculptural images of boar, gold, V century BC, Vani, Burial #11.
Tab. I-7. Diadem with scene of attack of lions and boar, gold, V-IV centuries BC. Vani, tomb #6.
Tab. I-8. Signet ring, Farakiani, silver, BC. year Second half of the 4th century, Van, # 19 luxurious tomb.
Tab. II-1. Relief head of boar on the base of a silver bowl, VI-VII centuries AD. Cheremiskhevi, accidental discovery.
Tab. II-2. A gilded cross on the bottom of the Chaliskhevi.
Tab. II-3. The scene of the hunting of boars on the silver jar, III century AD. Aragvispiri, # 13 tomb.
Tab. II-4. The scene of boar and dog fights on the bottom of a silver pinak, III century AD. Zguderi, # 2 wooden sarcophagus.
Tab. II-5, 6. Boars hunting scenes on bone plates from Dedoplis Gori, I century AD.
Tab. II-7. Two tombs buried parallel to each other, Late Hellenistic tombs, undisturbed.
Tab. III-1. A scene of a divine hunt for stags and deer on the Bronze Belt, 2nd century VIII-VII centuries BC. Tlia Cemetery, tomb # 76.
Tab. III-2. "Fantastic creature" and the scene of the divine hunting of deer and goats by the trio of heroes, year VIII-VII centuries BC. Samtavro necropolis, Tomb # 211.
Tab. III-3. "Fantastic animal" image on Etruscan shields, VIII-VII centuries BC..
Tab. III-4. The image of boar on a silver ring shield, IV century BC. Vani, tomb #19.
