History Lesson on Croatia: The Vučedol Dove In addition to arsenic bronze objects, the Vučedol are known also for their ceramics. The most famous of these is an object known as the Vučedol Dove. This artifact was discovered in 1938 by an archaeologist (one source claims that this was a German archaeologist by the name of R. R. Schmidt, whilst another asserts that the archaeologist was named M. Seper) who was excavating Vučedol. The Vučedol Dove is about 49.5 cm (19.49 inches) in height, and has been identified as a ritual pot made out of baked clay. There are numerous markings on this piece of ceramic. On its neck, for example, symbols of axes and a necklace can be found. In addition, the wings and chest of this bird are also covered by a distinct set of patterns. Based on these patterns, along with the bird’s crest, this is actually a representation of a domestic pigeon, rather than a dove. Another interpretation suggests that the dove is in fact a partridge, and was meant to represent a particular blacksmith / blacksmiths of the Vučedol culture in general. This interpretation considers the fact that the blacksmiths of the Vučedol culture were exposed to arsenic whilst manufacturing the arsenic bronze objects. (fb)

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