Xoanon

The xoanon was a wooden cult image from Archaic Greece, used in various temples and shrines across the ancient Greek world. The term "xoanon" is derived from the Greek verb "ξέειν" (xeein), meaning to carve or scrape wood.

Origins and Description

Xoana were typically human-shaped statues made of wood, often decorated with marble or limestone features such as hands, feet, and facial expressions. They were set up in temples, where they would be illuminated by sunlight, creating a sacred space for worship and ritual practices. The xoanon was considered a symbol of the deity it represented, and its presence was believed to bring spiritual significance and protection to the surrounding area.

Examples and Variations

Notable examples of xoana include:

* The statue of Hera at her temple on Samos, described by Pausanias as a wooden beam that was later humanized in form.
* A xoanon of Aphrodite found at Delos, which had its right hand damaged by time and its lower part replaced with a square shape.
* A xoanon of Artemis found in Rome, which was brought to the city from Massiliote sub-colonies.

Evolution and Influence

The term "xoanon" was also used to describe statues whose limbs were made of marble or limestone. Later developments included the Brettidole and chryselephantine still images, as seen in the works of Phidias.

Cultural Significance

Xoana played a significant role in ancient Greek culture, serving as symbols of deities and spiritual entities. They were often associated with specific temples and shrines, which would be illuminated by sunlight to create a sacred space for worship and ritual practices.

Further Reading

* Donohue, A. (1988). The Origins of Greek Sculpture.
* Stewart, Andrew. 100 Greek Sculptors: Their Careers and Extant Works.
* Neudecker, Richard. "Xoanon" in Brill's New Pauly: Encyclopaedia of the Ancient World.

References

* Strabo, 4.1.5.
* Pausanias, Description of Greece.
* James George, pp. 69-70.