Of the three tablets c.5300BC found in Romania, the circular Tartaria tablet may provide an example of sign use as Tamgha.
Figure 170 Detail from the circular Tartaria Tablet.
(Illustrations adapted from: http://storage0.dms.mpinteractiv.ro/media/401/321/5387/3343280/2/1- tartaria-tablets-spoza.jpg?width=600)
inverted 'U' (bull-horn sign) in a way that makes it appear very Tamgha-like. If this is the case, then the sign to the upper right – detached, and perhaps struck through, as the signs found in the Murfatlar graffiti - would be a personalisation mark, meaning that that quadrant of the tablet contains a personal 'name' or identifying mark. Rotating the tablet clockwise, another variation of the same idea can be seen in the next quadrant. The symbols on the next quadrant of the tablet include dual sheep-chevrons on the right.
Figure 171 Tartaria tablet detail.
Although this examination of chevron designs is by no means conclusive, there can be no doubt of the importance of chevron designs to the Vinča and that they are deserving of no little attention. It may be that, with further finds, we will be able to make a firm identification of them in the future.
Ian Harling
e-mail: vincacucuteni@aol.com
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