Anthropomorphic vessel

Europe in the 4th and 3rd millennia was characterised by a high number of cultural groups, separated according to region and time period, and often (since no ethnic names survive from this pre-literate period) named after characteristic vessels or significant archaeological sites. The Baden-Vuˇcedol Culture, who existed mainly in what is now Hungary and had already achieved Bronze Age technology by the transitional period known as the Chalcolithic, were a source of innovations. By this time, four-wheeled wagons were in use, with cattle used as draft animals. Like other agricultural cultures, they venerated an earth mother or fertility goddess. The museum’s collection includes a vessel with a human-like form, the only known example of its kind. Its handles are shaped like raised arms, and breasts can be seen on the body.