MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE EARLY CYCLADIC "VESSEL WITH DOVES" Geometric analysis, morphological observations and investigation of possible function

Abstract

The "Vessel with Doves" of the Early Cycladic II period (c. 2700–2300 BCE) is one of the rarest and most technically accomplished marble objects of the Early Cycladic Civilization. Despite its long-term study, its original function remains unknown and to date it has been interpreted mainly as a ritual or symbolic vessel, without systematic studies of its morphological and mechanical characteristics. This monograph presents a new functional hypothesis, which emerged from the extensive experience of the sculptor Georgios Kapiris in the production of replicas of Early Cycladic marble works and in the study of marble processing techniques. The hypothesis is based on the observation of specific morphological elements of the object, such as the notches on the rim, grooves, possible attachment sites, the symmetrical arrangements of the sixteen birds, as well as the possible presence of components that could be related to a string mechanism. The aim of this study is not to prove that the object was a musical instrument nor to overturn the archaeological interpretations of it up to now. Rather, it seeks to demonstrate that certain morphological features permit the formulation of an alternative functional hypothesis, whereby the object might have been able to support a system of tensioned strings or some other form of controlled mechanical interaction. The study combines elements of archaeology, marble technology, history of sculpture and comparative morphological analysis, presenting in detail the observations that led to the formulation of the hypothesis. In addition, the process of making a life-size replica is described, which was used as a basis for the subsequent experimental archaeoacoustic investigation. This study does not propose a definitive interpretation of the function of the "Vessel with Doves". It aspires, however, to open a new scholarly discussion about the potential technological and acoustic capabilities of certain Early Cycladic marble objects and to highlight the value of collaboration between archaeology, sculpture, physics and experimental research to investigate questions that have remained open for thousands of years.