Biche of Balazote

Illustration

James Blake Wiener
by
published on 31 October 2017
Biche of Balazote Download Full Size Image

The "Biche of Balazote" is a hybrid sculpture of an androcephalous bull that has clearly been influenced by Greek models. The beast has the body of a bull and a human head with other animal features. The back was originally plain and abutted to a funerary monument, where it served an apotropaic purpose as the protector of a tomb. It was made by ancient Iberians between the late-6th-early 5th centuries BCE of limestone. It comes from Albacete (Balazote), Spain. (Museo Arqueológico Nacional, Madrid)

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About the Author

James Blake Wiener
James is a writer and former Professor of History. He holds an MA in World History with a particular interest in cross-cultural exchange and world history. He is a co-founder of World History Encyclopedia and formerly was its Communications Director.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Wiener, J. B. (2017, October 31). Biche of Balazote. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7512/biche-of-balazote/

Chicago Style

Wiener, James Blake. "Biche of Balazote." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified October 31, 2017. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/7512/biche-of-balazote/.

MLA Style

Wiener, James Blake. "Biche of Balazote." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 31 Oct 2017. Web. 24 Apr 2024.

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