Abstract
ABSTRACT In this study, Neo Hittite Lions are investigated in detail. First, the expansion of Neo Hittite Kingdoms and their historical development is considered, then the interrelation of lions with gods are determined. Lion motives are first classified in alphabetical order according to the sites of origin, then their anatomical features are studied. These features including ears, mane, drooping tongue, cheekbone, upside down tulip shaped shoulder and leg muscles, S- formed shoulder blade, leg and thigh, claw, and tail are considered one by one. Making comparisons, a new dimension is brought to the subject by investigating the first origination period of these anatomical features, their sources, their development and influence on the regions outside Neo Hittite Sites. The early, mid and late phases of Neo Hittite lions are considered stilistically according to their trends. During the investigation in Gaziantep Museum, unpublished material from Zincirli, Til Başar höyük, and Kayabaşı are studied within a persective. The influence of Neo Hittite lions on Hellenistic art is studied and compared with Hittite, Assyrian, Syrian, and Arabic examples, thus observing Neo Hittite sculptural workshop and stone mines. The conceptions of investigators on Neo Hittite styles are evaluated and it is argued that sculptural work showing differences in style are developed from stone carving schools of different regions. These are then put in a historical perspective and dated accordingly.
