The Phokaian Sculpture of Obulco in Southern Spain

Abstract

A remarkable group of sculptures in soft limestone, which may once have formed the decoration of a heroon or tumulus for a local ruler, have been recovered from a secondary context at the ancient city of Obulco (modern Porcuna) in southern Spain. Of the numerous figures, rendered either singly or in groups, 18 are presented here, many of them for the first time. It is suggested that these works, which differ greatly from purely native Iberian statuary, were carved by Phokaian artists, presumably emigrants to ancient Oretania, within the second half of the fifth century B. C. Because of their stylistic unity, the pieces from Obulco can be attributed to the same workshop, some perhaps even to the same hand. Stylistically related pieces from other contexts are also mentioned.

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