Cypriot Quadrigia chariot group: Archaic I -II (650-480 BC)

Many votive chariot models are known from the rural shrines, perhaps associated with fertility and a nobility which valued the warrior. Images of chariots painted on Mycenaean craters had been imported in the late Bronze Age. However contemporary inspiration may have derived from Assyrian art, where war scenes with chariots were popular. Chariot scenes also appear in Cypro-Archaic vase-painting. Actual chariots have been found at Salamis, Kourion, Meniko and in the Limassol district, used in funerary processions and buried in the dromos of ‘royal’ tombs. They were used for warfare in Cyprus as late as the 5th century BC, after their use had become purely ceremonial in Greece, as mentioned by Herodotus.

Break and repair at the neck of the charioteer and on one wheel, with some further damage and repairs on horse manes). Yokes (and perhaps shaft(s)), part of shield and top of back-loop of chariot, missing. Paint mostly missing.

Chariot and 4 horses on rectangular base. Chariot box raised on two rectangular slabs at sides with upstanding broken-off loop at rear to steady riders. Scar at front, possibly site of shaft. Two solid wheels mounted on axle. Two riders in chariot with pointed helmets, prominentnoses and applied pellet ears. At the front, the charioteer with arms stretched forward, hands together. A taller warrior behind him with long neck, arms outstretched: the right to shoulder of charioteer, the left holding a shield. The four horses pulling the chariot have ears and manes with forelock, interrupted by scars (left pair) or possible repairs (right pair) on upper necks where yokes probably were. Painted right eye of right horse faintly remaining. Front legs and back legs of outer horses delineated, but rears of inner horses merged with chariot box. Tails of outer horses draped over the chariot axle.

Cf. V. Tatton-Brown 1979, p. 94, fig. 286; Karageorghis 1995, p.112, Pl.LXVIII (1). British Museum cat.1910,0620.21