Guardian for the afterlife


This Funerary Lion was found somewhere around Athens and dates back to approximately 320 BC. Here's a little more information on the piece:

This large lion either marked a grave as an individual monument or, together with a counterpart, was a corner figure of a monumental funerary precinct in late classical Athens. As a symbolic guardian, the lion grants magical protection from grave robbers. Its artistic quality is indicative of the commissioner's wealth.

22 comments:

  1. This lion looks rather friendly, all told.

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  2. He almost appears to be smiling!

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  3. I could use a guardian for now! It's amazing how old this is, Hal.

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  4. And it seems to be grieving for the dead too.









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  5. Interesting information and a fine looking 'guardian' too!

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  6. Nice smile. He is smiling isn't he?

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  7. I guess in the end it didn't save the grave from being robbed after all. :)

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  8. A friendly lion I would say...

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  9. Not so scary for a lion...

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  10. Beautiful. It's face is reminding me of one I saw at the British Museum a couple of years ago.

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  11. I've always thought lions were a wee bit magical Hal :) I'm enjoying the tour!

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  12. I've always thought lions were a wee bit magical Hal :) I'm enjoying the tour!

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  13. Very interesting. I think he's got a funny little grin on his face.

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  14. Some protector! He got stolen away himself!

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  15. That's a pretty fierce-looking grave marker but a rather failure of a guardian!

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  16. Oh I like this guy he looks very determined.....

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