The Libyan Connection in Archaic Greece ... Max Dashu

row of women in abstract style

Ceramic art from the Geometric Period in Greece shows
unmistakeable signs of North African influence, above.

Note the strong stylistic similarity to Libyan rock paintings
of charioteers of the Garamantes culture, below.

Garamantes rock mural of the ancient Libyans

The facial profiles and bodily silhouettes in the bowl from the Geometric period in Greece are consistent with the style of the Libyan rock murals. Even the close-cropped hair styles signal African origins. The patterns at the bowl's center also resemble Egyptian lotus designs more than anything found in European art. This bowl dates to about 750 BCE.

 
women mourners in archaic Greece

 

Above, mourners at a woman's funeral, on a massive amphora from Dipylon, circa 750 BCE.
Note again the African profiles which are consistent with the style of Saharan rock murals.

 

archaic Greek vessel: Libyan dancers

Women dancing in leafy ritual kilts on another archaic Greek bowl.

Audio stream: Listen to Max Dashu discuss ancient African priestesses and their
influence in the ancient Mediterranean oracular sanctuaries, python priestesses in
southeast Africa, and more in an interview by Dr. Tonya K. Freeman.
(After hitting the link, scroll down to the interview on June 19, 2008)

More Greek vessels from circa 750-650 BCE

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