ARHEOLOŠKI VESTNIK (ACTA ARCHAEOLOGICA)

Inštitut za arheologijo  ZRC SAZU

ARHEOLOŠKI VESTNIK 54, 2003

Erich ZIMMERMANN:

Fights. Fistfights in the situla art
(Fighten. Faustkampf in der Situlenkunst - Kampf der Fäuste)

Abstract

In the situla art various aspects of fighting methods are displayed. Dynamic scenes of tricky defensive fighting and contests for possession of the dumb bell as well as the aimed punch are shown. The punch against the hand of the opponent is aimed at disarming him, as it is shown on the situla Arnoaldi. The oscillation of the arms is typical for the style of situla art and is not seen in the boxing position in Greek art. The punch with the dominating fist is also shown. In this sense, fighting with dumb bells in situla art has more the meaning of a skilful fight than of a brutal scuffle. It is generally noticed that in situla art no knock-out is shown - as it is known from Greek art and literature. It is not clear whether this is significant of the people of the situla region, or whether it can be explained by the specific technique or goal of the fight. There are convincing hints that on situlae distinct fighters and therefore individual fighting events are portrayed.

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