Cattle History, Myth, Art
Cattle History, Myth, Art by Catherine Johns, published by British Museum Press in 2011, explores the significant yet often overlooked role of cattle in human culture. This 192-page book delves into the artistic, mythological, and religious representations of cattle, highlighting their importance across various societies. The text examines how cattle have been depicted in art and mythology, from ancient Minoan bull-leaping to the worship of the cow-goddess Hathor in ancient Egypt.
Readers will find a diverse array of illustrations showcasing cattle’s presence in human history, including Paleolithic drawings and modern prints. The book addresses themes such as folklore and mythology, as well as the social significance of cattle in different cultures. By presenting these varied aspects, the work invites a deeper understanding of how cattle have influenced art and social practices throughout time.
Official synopsis Publisher
Although human communities have depended heavily on them, cattle are less studied and admired than they deserve to be. Beautiful, varied and with individual personalities, cattle feature far more extensively than one might at first think in the art, mythology and religion of humankind. Cattle have been exploited in sports and entertainment – from ancient Minoan bull-leaping to the modern Spanish bullfight and water-buffalo racing in Malaysia. In ancient Egypt the worship of the cow-goddess Hathor was fundamental, and the Graeco-Roman world was rich in legends involving cattle, such as those of Europa and the Minotau. in Hinduism the species is still regarded as sacred. This book illustrates all these aspects with a wide range of objects, from Paleolithic drawings to the Parthenon Frieze, Pictish carvings and modern prints and drawings.
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