The Phokaian Sculpture of Obulco in Southern Spain

Abstract

A remarkable group of sculptures in soft limestone, which may once have formed the decoration of a heroon or tumulus for a local ruler, have been recovered from a secondary context at the ancient city of Obulco (modern Porcuna) in southern Spain. Of the numerous figures, rendered either singly or in groups, 18 are presented here, many of them for the first time. It is suggested that these works, which differ greatly from purely native Iberian statuary, were carved by Phokaian artists, presumably emigrants to ancient Oretania, within the second half of the fifth century B.C. Because of their stylistic unity, the pieces from Obulco can be attributed to the same workshop, some perhaps even to the same hand. Stylistically related pieces from other contexts are also mentioned.

Sculptors' signatures on Iberian stone statues fromIpolca-Obulco(Porcuna, Jaén, Spain)

“…The sculptures were cut in limestone and unfortunately they were recovered with no archaeological control. Most of them were discovered in a ditch dug at the edge of an Orientalising cemetery (Blázquez & González Navarrete 1985;González Navarrete 1987), although the sculptures can be dated by means of their style during the fifth century BC. A total of 1486 fragments of different sizes were recovered that were later partially pieced together at the Jaén Museum, where they are still held.…”

Iberian Art with Greek Influence: The Funerary Monument of Jumilla (Murcia, Spain)

“…In this case, however, the rider wields a falcata, the typical sword of the Iberians, 18 in his raised right hand. The warrior also carries a small circular shield on his back, 19 the Iberian caetra, which may also be seen on the warriors of Obulco of the mid-fifth century, 20 __________ those from Urso (Osuna) of the third century, 21 and in the bronze figures of warriors from Iberian sanctuaríes. 22 The presence of these horsemen on the Jumilla funerary monument indícales that the deceased is considered a hero.…”