Collection Item

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleReplica of the Mantiklos bronze

About this objectThis cast is a replica of the Mantiklos bronze from Thebes, made in the early 7th century BCE. The original is a solid bronze votive statuette of a male figure dedicated to Apollo.

The figure is missing his right arm and the lower section of both legs. On the thighs an inscription has been added, which translates to: Mantiklos dedicated me as a tithe to the Far Shooter, the bearer of the Silver Bow. You, Phoebos [Apollo], give something pleasing in return."

Votives were a form of transaction or exchange between gods and men. The god would receive the gift in the hopes that the giver would receive help, wealth or other benefits in return. This statuette is named after the one who dedicated it, Mantiklos.

It is unknown who the figure represents. It has been suggested that the figure is a warrior wearing a helmet and holding a spear in the left hand, and a shield in the missing right hand. This was the standard equipment of a Greek soldier, and may have represented Mantiklos himself. The figure is also thought to be Apollo, and may have held a bow in the hole in the left hand. There are small attachment holes in the forehead and on top of the head, where a helmet may have sat.

The figure is an important work of early Greek sculpture, as it shows the development between the Geometric style and the softer, more realistic styles that were to follow. The severity of the elongated neck and triangular body are reduced by the curves and roundness of the figure's chest and legs. The differing positions of the arms also create a sense of movement that is not possible with a symmetrical pose.

MakerMinistry of Culture Archaeological Receipts Fund

Maker RoleCasting and Copying Workshop

Date Madeca. 1988-1989

PeriodLate Geometric

Place MadeGreece; Athens

Place NotesOriginal from Thebes

Medium and MaterialsPlaster

Style and IconographyGeometric

Style and IconographyOrientalising

Inscription and MarksΜΑΝΤΙΚΛΟΣΜΑΝΕΘΕΚΕFΕΚΑΒΟΛΟΙΑΡΓΥΡΟΤΟΧΣΟΙΤΑΣΔΕΚΑΤΑΣΤΥΔΕΦΟΙΒΕΔΙΔΟΙΧΑΡΙFΕΤΤΑΝΑΜΟΙΙ (on the statuette)

Μάντικλος μ’ ’ανέθηκε ϝεκαβόλοι ’αργυρτόξσοι τάς δεκάτας. τύ δέ Φοίβε δίδοι χαρίϝετταν ’αμοί (transcribed)

Translation: Mantiklos dedicated me as a tithe to the Far Shooter, the bearer of the Silver Bow. You, Phoebos [Shining One] (Apollo), give something pleasing in return.

TechniqueCasting (process)

Measurements200mm x 60mm x 50mm

Subject and Association KeywordsGods in art

Subject and Association KeywordsInscriptions, Greek

Subject and Association KeywordsArt and mythology

Subject and Association KeywordsArt and religion

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LinePurchased, 1996.

Object TypeFigurine

Object numberCC32

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved