Before they were seen as objects that represented deities and were also considered sacred for the use of some. rituals, but now they may be nothing more than children's toys or some kind of amulet. That's what a new study by researchers involved with antiquities reveals. Understand what led them to their conclusion.
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Sacred artifacts or just toys?
The diverse and ancient owl-shaped slate plaques that were found in tombs and pits in the region of the Iberian Peninsula, are no longer being used. considered as artifacts that represent deities or with ritualistic meanings, as they gained are about to gain a new meaning because of a new study.
Research indicates that, in fact, plaques that are the size of the palm of a hand and that exhibit patterns geometric shapes in the top region, could just be the work of children at the time who used them as toys.
Made of slate and found in large numbers, objects resembling owls must be between 5,500 and 4,750 years and may represent a trail of playful activities related to learning for young people from that era.
According to the researchers: "Owl-like objects made of stone provide perhaps one of the few glimpses of infant behavior in the archaeological record of ancient European societies."
Thus, through the survey carried out, it was possible to observe that the children at that time could easily etch the slates with pointed tools that were made of quartz, copper or flint. With this, they were able to assemble structures that resembled the bodies of owls and the plumage of birds.
Another issue that indicates that the plates were made by young people is that the drawings found on them are very similar to those that children of the modern age produce. In any case, those responsible for this new study do not rule out the possibility that the plaques are objects sacred. That they are even items that were even used as funerary offerings given by the youngest to the elderly who passed away.
Furthermore, what draws attention is that the sculptures are very similar to the species of owls, Little Owl and Owl, which are very common in Portugal and Spain.
