Many specimens of the Swastika were found by Dr. Schliemann in the ruins
of Troy, principally on spindle whorls, vases, and bijoux of precious
metal. Zmigrodzki[138] made from Dr. Schliemann's great atlas the
following classification of the objects found at Troy, ornamented with the
Swastika and its related forms:
Fifty-five of pure form; 114 crosses with the four dots, points or alleged
nail holes (_Croix swasticale_); 102 with three branches or arms
(triskelion); 86 with five branches or arms; 63 with six branches or arms;
total, 420.
Zmigrodzki continues his classification by adding those which have
relation to the Swastika thus: Eighty-two representing stars; 70
representing suns; 42 representing branches of trees or palms; 15 animals
non-ferocious, deer, antelope, hare, swan, etc.; total, 209 objects. Many
of these were spindle whorls.
Dr. Schliemann, in his works, "Troja" and "Ilios," describes at length his
excavations of these cities and his discoveries of the Swastika on many
objects. His reports are grouped under titles of the various cities,
first, second, third, etc., up to the seventh city, counting always from
the bottom, the first being deepest and oldest. The same system will be
here pursued. The first and second cities were 45 to 52 feet (13 to 16
meters) deep; the third, 23 to 33 feet (7 to 10 meters) deep; the fourth
city, 13 to 17.6 feet (4 to 5-1/2 meters) deep; the fifth city, 7 to 13
feet (2 to 4 meters) deep; the sixth was the Lydian city of Troy, and the
seventh city, the Greek Ilium, approached the surface.
[Illustration: Fig. 42. FRAGMENT OF LUSTROUS BLACK POTTERY. Swastika,
right. Depth, 23 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 247.]
_First and Second Cities._--But few whorls were found in the first and
second cities[139] and none of these bore the Swastika mark, while
thousands were found in the third, fourth, and fifth cities, many of which
bore the Swastika mark. Those of the first city, if unornamented, have a
uniform lustrous black color and are the shape of a cone (fig. 55) or of
two cones joined at the base (figs. 52 and 71). Both kinds were found at
33 feet and deeper. Others from the same city were ornamented by incised
lines rubbed in with white chalk, in which case they were flat.[140] In
the second city the whorls were smaller than in the first. They were all
of a black color and their incised ornamentation was practically the same
as those from the upper cities.[141]
Zmigrodzki congratulated himself on having discovered among Schliemann's
finds what he believed to be the oldest representation of the Swastika of
which we had reliable knowledge. It was a fragment of a vase (fig. 42) of
the lustrous black pottery peculiar to the whorls of the first and second
cities. But Zmigrodzki was compelled to recede, which he did regretfully,
when Schliemann, in a later edition, inserted the footnote (p. 350)
saying, that while he had found this (with a companion piece) at a great
depth in his excavations, and had attributed them to the first city, yet,
on subsequent examination, he had become convinced that they belonged to
the third city.
The Swastika, turned both ways [S] and [Z], was frequent in the third,
fourth, and fifth cities.
The following specimens bearing the Swastika mark are chosen, out of the
many specimens in Schliemann's great album, in order to make a fair
representation of the various kinds, both of whorls and of Swastikas.
They are arranged in the order of cities, the depth being indicated in
feet.
[Illustration: Fig. 43. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH TWO SWASTIKAS AND TWO CROSSES.
Depth, 23 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1858.]
[Illustration: Fig. 44. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH TWO SWASTIKAS. Depth, 23 feet.
Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1874.]
[Illustration: Fig. 45. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH TWO SWASTIKAS. Depth, 23 feet.
Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1919.]
[Illustration: Fig. 46. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH TWO SWASTIKAS. Depth, 28 feet.
Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1826.]
[Illustration: Fig. 47. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH THREE SWASTIKAS. Depth, 23
feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1851.]
_The Third, or Burnt, City_ (23 to 33 feet deep).--The spindle-whorl shown
in fig. 43 contains two Swastikas and two crosses.[142] Of the one
Swastika, two arms are bent to the right at right angles, while the other
two are bent to the right in curves. The other Swastika has but two bends,
one at right angles, the other curved, both to the right. The specimen
shown in fig. 44 has two Swastikas, in one of which the four arms are bent
at right angles to the left. The entire figure is traced in double lines,
one heavy and one light, as though to represent edges or shadows. The
second Swastika has its ends bent at an obtuse angle to the left, and at
the extremities the lines taper to a point. The whorl shown in fig. 45 is
nearly spherical, with two Swastikas in the upper part. The ends of the
four arms in both are bent at right angles, one to the right, the other to
the left. Fig. 46 represents a spindle-whorl with two irregular Swastikas;
but one arm is bent at right angles and all the arms and points are
uncertain and of unequal lengths. The rest of the field is covered with
indefinite and inexplicable marks, of which the only ones noteworthy are
points or dots, seven in number. In fig. 47 the top is surrounded by a
line of zigzag or dog-tooth ornaments. Within this field, on the upper
part and equidistant from the central hole, are three Swastikas, the ends
of all of which turn to the left, and but one at right angles. All three
have one or more ends bent, not at any angle, but in a curve or hook,
making an ogee. Fig. 48 shows a large whorl with two or three Swastikas on
its upper surface in connection with several indefinite marks apparently
without meaning. The dots are interspersed over the field, the Swastikas
all bent to the right, but with uncertain lines and at indefinite angles.
In one of them the main line forming the cross is curved toward the
central hole; in another, the ends are both bent in the same
direction--that is, pointing to the periphery of the whorl. Fig. 49 shows
a sphere or globe (see figs. 75, 88) divided by longitudinal lines into
four segments, which are again divided by an equatorial line. These
segments contain marks or dots and circles, while one segment contains a
normal Swastika turned to the left. This terra-cotta ball has figured in a
peculiar degree in the symbolic representation of the Swastika. Greg says
of it:[143]
We see on one hemisphere the [Z] standing for Zeus (= Indra) the sky
god, and on the other side a rude representation of a sacred (_somma_)
tree; a very interesting and curious western perpetuation of the
original idea and a strong indirect proof of the [Z] standing for the
emblem of the sky god.
[Illustration: Fig. 48. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH SWASTIKAS. Depth, 23 feet.
Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1982.]
[Illustration: Fig. 49. SPHERE DIVIDED INTO EIGHT SEGMENTS, ONE OF WHICH
CONTAINS A SWASTIKA. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1999.]
[Illustration: Fig. 50. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH SWASTIKA. Schliemann,
"Ilios," Fig. 1949.]
Fig. 50 represents one of the biconical spindle-whorls with various
decorations on the two sides, longitudinal lines interspersed with dots,
arcs of concentric circles arranged in three parallels, etc. On one of
these sides is a normal Swastika, the arms crossing at right angles, the
ends bent at right angles to the left. The specimen shown in fig. 51
contains four perfect Swastikas and two inchoate and uncertain. Both of
the latter have been damaged by breaking the surface. The four Swastikas
all have their arms bent to the right; some are greater than at right
angles, and one arm is curved. Several ends are tapered to a point. Fig.
52 shows a whorl of biconical form. It contains two Swastikas, the main
arms of which are ogee forms, crossing each other at the center at nearly
right angles, the ogee ends curving to the right. In fig. 53 the entire
field of the upper surface is filled with, or occupied by, a Greek cross,
in the center of which is the central hole of the whorl, while on each of
the four arms is represented a Swastika, the main arms all crossing at
right angles, the ends all bent to the right at a slightly obtuse angle.
Each of these bent ends tapers to a point, some with slight curves and a
small flourish. (See figs. 33 and 34 for reference to this flourish.) The
specimen shown in fig. 54 has a center field in its upper part, of which
the decoration consists of incised parallel lines forming segments of
circles, repeated in each one of the four quarters of the field. The
center hole is surrounded by two concentric rings of incised lines. In one
of these spaces is a single Swastika; its main arms crossing at right
angles, two of its ends bent to the left at right angles, the other two in
the same direction and curved.
[Illustration: Fig. 51. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH SIX SWASTIKAS. Depth,
33 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1859.]
[Illustration: Fig. 52. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH TWO OGEE SWASTIKAS.
Depth, 33 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1876.]
[Illustration: Fig. 53. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH FOUR SWASTIKAS. Depth, 33 feet.
De Mortillet, "Musée Préhistorique," fig. 1240.]
[Illustration: Fig. 54. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH ONE SWASTIKA. Depth, 33 feet.
De Mortillet, "Musée Préhistorique," fig. 1241.]
_The Fourth City_ (13.2 to 17.6 feet deep).--Schliemann says:[144]
We find among the successors of the burnt city the same triangular
idols; the same primitive bronze battle-axes; the same terra-cotta
vases, with or without tripod feet; the same double-handled goblets
([Greek: sepa amphikupella]); the same battle-axes of jade, porphyry,
and diorite; the same rude stone hammers, and saddle querns of
trachyte. * * * The number of rude stone hammers and polished stone
axes are fully thrice as large as in the third city, while the masses
of shells and cockles accumulated in the débris of the houses are so
stupendous that they baffle all description. The pottery is coarser
and of a ruder fabric than in the third city. * * * There were also
found in the fourth city many needles of bone for female handiwork,
boar tusks, spit rests of mica schist, whetstones of slate, porphyry,
etc., of the usual form, hundreds of small silex saws, and some knives
of obsidian. Stone whorls, which are so abundant at Mycenæ, are but
rarely found here; all of those which occur are, according to Mr.
Davis, of steatite. On the other hand, terra-cotta whorls, with or
without incised ornamentation, are found by thousands; their forms
hardly vary from those in the third (the burnt) city, and the same may
be generally said of their incised ornamentation. * * * The same
representation of specimens of whorls are given as in the third city,
and the same observations apply.
[Illustration: Fig. 55. CONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH THREE OGEE SWASTIKAS.
Depth 13-1/2 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1850.]
[Illustration: Fig. 56. CONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH FOUR SWASTIKAS OF
VARIOUS KINDS. Depth 13-1/2 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1879.]
[Illustration: Fig. 57. CONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH SWASTIKAS. Depth.
13-1/3 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1894.]
[Illustration: Fig. 58. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH ONE SWASTIKA. Depth,
13-1/2 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1983.]
[Illustration: Fig. 59. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH THREE OGEE SWASTIKAS.
Depth, 13-1/2 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1990.]
[Illustration: Fig. 60. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH TWO SWASTIKAS. Depth,
16-1/2 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1863.]
Fig. 55 shows a simple cone, the upper surface being flat and without
other decoration than three Swastikas equidistant from the hole and from
each other, all made by the two crossed ogee lines with ends curved to the
right. This specimen is much like that of Fig. 71 (Madam Schliemann
collection in the U. S. National Museum, Cat. No. 149704). Fig. 56 shows a
remarkable spindle-whorl. Its marks greatly excited the interest of Dr.
Schliemann, and he devoted much space to the discussion of these and
similar characters. The whorl is in the form of a cone. It bears upon its
conical surface four Swastikas, the ends of three of which bend to the
right and one to the left. There are but two of these ends which bend at
right angles. Most of them are at an obtuse angle, while the ends of two
are curved. Some taper to a point and finish with a slight flourish. The
other marks which so interested Dr. Schliemann were the chevron ornament
(zigzag), drawn in parallel lines, which, he strongly argued, and
fortified with many authorities, represented lightning. The second series
of marks he called a "burning altar." This assertion he also fortified
with authorities and with illustrations of a similar sign from different
countries. (See fig. 101.) The third series of marks represented an
animal, name and character unknown, with a head or tusks with two large
branching horns or ears, a straight back, a stiff but drooping tail, four
legs, and two rows of the remarkable dots--seven in one, six in the
other--placed over the back of the animal. (See figs. 99 and 100.) Fig. 57
represents another cone-shaped whorl, the flat surface of which is
engraved with one perfect Swastika, the two arms crossing each other at
right angles and the two ends bending at right angles to the right; the
other two are curved, also to the right. Two of the other figures Dr.
Schliemann calls Swastikas, although they are uncertain in some of their
arms and angles. The fourth character he imagined to be an inchoate or
attempted Swastika. Fig. 58 shows a biconical whorl with curious and
inexplicable characters. One of them forms a crude Swastika, which, while
the main arms cross at right angles the ends are bent at uncertain angles,
three to the left and one to the right. These characters are so
undetermined that it is doubtful if they could have had any signification,
either ornamental or otherwise. Fig. 59 is almost conical, the flat
surface thereof being only slightly raised at the center. It is much the
same form as the whorls shown in figs. 55 and 71. The nearly flat surface
is the top, and on it, equidistant from the center hole and from each
other, are three ogee Swastikas of double lines, with their ends all
curved to the right. In the alternate spaces are small incised circles,
with dots in the centers. In fig. 60 a biconical whorl is shown. It has
three of the circle segments marked in equilateral positions, with three
or four parallel lines, after the style shown in Fig. 54. In the spaces
are two Swastikas, in both of which the two main arms cross at right
angles. Some of the ends bend at a right, and others at an obtuse, angle.
In one of the Swastikas the bent ends turn toward each other, forming a
rude figure 8. The specimen shown in fig. 61 is biconical, but much
flattened; it contains five ogee Swastikas, of which the ends of four bend
to the right and one to the left. In an interval between them is one of
the burning altars. Fig. 62 shows three Swastikas with double parallel
lines. The main arms cross each other at right angles; the ends are bent
at nearly right angles, one to the left, one to the right, and the other
both ways. Fig. 63 represents a spindle-whorl with a cup-shaped depression
around the central hole, which is surrounded by three lines in concentric
circles, while on the field, at 90 degrees from each other, are four ogee
Swastikas (tetraskelions), the arms all turning to the left and spirally
each upon itself. The specimen shown in fig. 64 is biconical, though, as
usual, the upper cone is the smallest. There are parallel lines, three in
a set, forming the segments of three circles, in one space of which
appears a Swastika of a curious and unique form, similar to that shown in
fig. 60. The two main arms cross each other at very nearly right angles
and the ends also bend at right angles toward and approaching each other,
so that if continued slightly farther they would close and form a
decorative figure 8. The specimen shown in fig. 65 is decorated with
parallel lines, three in number, arranged in segments of three circles,
the periphery of which is toward the center, as in figs. 60 and 64. In one
of the spaces is a Swastika of curious form; the main arms cross each
other at right angles, but the four ends represent different styles--two
are bent square to the left, one square to the right, and the fourth
curves to the left at no angle. Fig. 66 shows a biconical whorl, and its
top is decorated to represent three Swastikas and three burning altars.
The ends of the arms of the Swastikas all bend to the left, some are at
right angles and some at obtuse angles, while two or three are curved; two
of them show corrections, the marks at the ends having been changed in one
case at a different angle and in another from a straight line to a curve.
Fig. 67 shows four specimens of Swastika, the main arms of all of which
cross at right angles. The ends all bend to the right, at nearly right
angles, tapering to a point and finishing with the slight flourish noted
in the Jain Swastika (fig. 34_c_). They are alternated with a chevron
decoration. Fig. 68 shows three Swastikas, the ends of the arms of which
are all bent to the left. One Swastika is composed of two ogee lines. Two
arms of another are curved, but all others are bent at right angles, some
of them tapering to points, finishing with a little flourish (figs. 67
and 34_c_). One of these ends, like that in fig. 66, has been corrected by
the maker. Fig. 69 represents one Swastika in which the main arms cross at
nearly right angles. Both ends of one arm turn to the left and those of
the other arm turn to the right in figure 8 style. One of the ends is
curved, the others bent at different angles. Fig. 70 shows the parallel
lines representing segments of a circle similar to figs. 60, 64, 65, and
69, except that it has four instead of three. It has one Swastika; the
main arms (of double lines) cross at right angles, the ends all curving to
the left with a slight ogee.
[Illustration: Fig. 61. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH FIVE OGEE SWASTIKAS.
Depth, 18 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1905.]
[Illustration: Fig. 62. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH THREE SWASTIKAS. Depth, 19.8
feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1855.]
[Illustration: Fig. 63. SPINDLE-WHORL HAVING FOUR OGEE SWASTIKAS WITH
SPIRAL VOLUTES. Depth, 18 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1868.]
[Illustration: Fig. 64. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH ONE SWASTIKA. Depth,
19.8 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1865.]
[Illustration: Fig. 65. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH ONE SWASTIKA. Depth,
19.8 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios", fig. 1866.]
[Illustration: Fig. 66. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH THREE SWASTIKAS AND
THREE BURNING ALTARS. Depth, 19.8 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios", fig. 1872.]
[Illustration: Fig. 67. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH FOUR SWASTIKAS.
Depth, 19.8 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1873.]
[Illustration: Fig. 68. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH THREE SWASTIKAS OF
DIFFERENT STYLES. Depth, 19.8 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1911.]
[Illustration: Fig. 69. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH ONE SWASTIKA OF THE
FIGURE-8 STYLE. Depth, 19.8 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1861.]
[Illustration: Fig. 70. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH ONE SWASTIKA, SLIGHT
OGEE. Depth, 19.8 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1864.]
[Illustration: Fig. 71. CONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH THREE OGEE SWASTIKAS.
Depth, 13.5 feet. Gift of Madame Schliemann, Cat. No. 149704, U. S. N. M.]
The U. S. National Museum was, during 1893, the fortunate recipient of a
collection of objects from Madame Schliemann, which her husband, before
his death, had signified should be given to the United States as a token
of his remembrance of and regard for his adopted country. He never forgot
that he was an American citizen, and, preparing for death, made his
acknowledgments in the manner mentioned. The collection consisted of 178
objects, all from ancient Troy, and they made a fair representation of his
general finds. This collection is in the Department of Prehistoric
Anthropology. In this collection is a spindle-whorl, found at 13-1/2 feet
(4 meters) depth and belonging to the fourth city. It had three Swastikas
upon its face, and is here shown as fig. 71.[145]
_The Fifth City._--Schliemann says:[146]
The rude stone hammers found in enormous quantities in the fourth city
are no longer found in this stratum, nor did the stone axes, which are
so very abundant there, occur again here. Instead of the hundreds of
axes I gathered in the fourth city, I collected in all only two here.
* * * The forms of the terra-cotta whorls, too, are in innumerable
instances different here. These objects are of a much inferior fabric,
and become elongated and pointed. Forms of whorls like Nos. 1801,
1802, and 1803 [see figs. 72, 73, and 74], which were never found
before, are here plentiful.
_The Sixth and Seventh Cities._--The sixth city is described in "Ilios,"
page 587, and the seventh on pages 608 and 618. Both cities contained
occasional whorls of clay, all thoroughly baked, without incised or
painted ornamentation, and shed no further light on the Swastika.
[Illustration: Figs. 72, 73, 74. FORMS OF WHORLS FROM THE FIFTH BURIED
CITY OF HISSARLIK, FOR COMPARISON. Schliemann, "Ilios," figs. 1801, 1802,
1803.]
[Illustration: Fig. 75. TERRA-COTTA SPHERE WITH THIRTEEN SWASTIKAS. Third
city. Depth, 26 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," figs. 245, 246.]
Fig. 75 represents the opposite hemispheres of a terra-cotta ball, found
at a depth of 26 feet, divided by incised lines into fifteen zones, of
which two are ornamented with points and the middle zone, the largest of
all, with thirteen specimens of [S] and [Z].
Zmigrodzki says[147] that there were found by Schliemann, at Hissarlik,
fifty-five specimens of the Swastika "pure and simple" (pp. 809, 826). It
will be perceived by examination that the Swastika "pure and simple"
comprised Swastikas of several forms; those in which the four arms of the
cross were at other angles besides right angles; those in which the ends
bent at square and other angles to the right; then those to the left
(Burnouf and Max Müller's Suavastika); those in which the bends were, some
to the right and some to the left, in the same design; where the points
tapered off and turned outward with a flourish; where the arms bent at no
angle, but were in spirals each upon itself, and turned, some to the
right, some to the left. We shall see other related forms, as where the
arms turn spirally upon each other instead of upon themselves. These will
sometimes have three, five, six, or more arms, instead of four (p. 768).
The cross and the circle will also appear in connection with the Swastika;
and other designs, as zigzags (lightning), burning altars, men, animals,
and similar representations will be found associated with the Swastika,
and are only related to it by the association of similar objects from the
same locality. A description of their patterns will include those already
figured, together with Schliemann's comments as to signification and
frequency. They become more important because these related forms will be
found in distant countries and among distant peoples, notably among the
prehistoric peoples of America. Possibly these designs have a
signification, possibly not. Dr. Schliemann thought that in many cases
they had. Professor Sayce supported him, strongly inclining toward an
alphabetic or linguistic, perhaps ideographic, signification. No opinion
is advanced by the author on these theories, but the designs are given in
considerable numbers, to the end that the evidence may be fully reported,
and future investigators, radical and conservative, imaginative and
unimaginative, theorists and agnostics, may have a fair knowledge of this
mysterious sign, and an opportunity to indulge their respective talents at
length. Possibly these associated designs may throw some light upon the
origin or history of the Swastika or of some of its related forms.
[Illustration: Fig. 76. TERRA-COTTA DISK WITH ONE SWASTIKA. Schliemann,
"Ilios," fig. 1849.]
[Illustration: Fig. 77. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH OGEE SWASTIKA. Third city.
Depth, 23 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1822.]
[Illustration: Fig. 78. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH IRREGULAR SWASTIKAS
AND CROSSES. Fourth city. Depth, 13.6 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig.
1871.]
[Illustration: Fig. 79. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH UNCERTAIN AND
MALFORMED SWASTIKAS. Third city. Depth, 33 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig.
1870.]
[Illustration: Fig. 80. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH IRREGULAR AND PARTLY
FORMED SWASTIKAS HAVING LARGE DOT IN CENTER. Fourth city. Depth, 23 feet.
Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1875.]
[Illustration: Fig. 81. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL, FLATTENED, WITH TWO
SWASTIKAS AND INDEFINITE DECORATION. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1947.]
[Illustration: Fig. 82. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH ONE SWASTIKA AND FOUR
SEGMENTS OF CIRCLES. Third city. Depth, 33 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig.
1989.]
The specimen represented in fig. 76 is not a spindle-whorl, as shown by
the number and location of the holes. It bears a good representation of a
Swastika the form of which has been noticed several times. The two main
arms cross each other at nearly right angles. The ends of the arms all
bend to the right at a slightly obtuse angle and turn outward with a
flourish somewhat after the style of the Jain Swastika (fig. 34_c_). Fig.
77 represents a spindle-whorl with a Swastika of the ogee style curved to
the right. The center hole of the whorl forms the center of the sign. The
figure is of double lines, and in the interspaces are four dots, similar
to those in figs. 96-98, and others which Dr. Schliemann reports as
common, and to which he attributes some special but unknown meaning.
Swastikas and crosses of irregular shape and style are shown in the field
of fig. 78. Two fairly well formed Swastikas appear, both of the ogee
style, with the ends curved to the right. One is of the style resembling
the figure 8 (see figs. 60 and 64). Two others are crudely and irregularly
formed, and would scarcely be recognized as Swastikas except for their
association. Fig. 79 represents uncertain and malformed Swastikas. The
arms are bent in different directions in the same line. Two of the main
arms are not bent. The inexplicable dots are present, and the field is
more or less covered with unmeaning or, at least, unexplained marks. Fig.
80 also illustrates the indefinite and inchoate style of decoration. One
unfinished Swastika appears which, unlike anything we have yet seen, has a
circle with a dot in the center for the body of the Swastika at the
crossing of the main arms. Fig. 81 shows two Swastikas, both crossing
their main arms at right angles and the ends bending also at right
angles--one to the right, the other to the left. This specimen is inserted
here because of the numerous decorations of apparently unmeaning, or, at
least, unexplained, lines. Fig. 82 shows four segmented circles with an
indefinite Swastika in one of the spaces. The ends are not well turned,
only one being well attached to the main arms. One of the ends is not
joined, one overruns and forms a sort of cross; the other has no bend.
Fig. 83 contains an unmistakable Swastika, the main arms of which cross at
right angles, turning to the left with an ogee curve. The peculiarity of
this specimen is that the center of the sign is inclosed in a circle, thus
showing the indifference of the Swastika sign to other signs, whether
cross or circle. The outer parts of the field are occupied with the
parallel lines of the circle segment, as shown in many other specimens.
The specimen shown in fig. 84 is similar in style to the last. The bodies
of six Swastikas are formed by a circle and dot, while the arms of the
cross start from the outside of the circle, extending themselves in
curves, all of them to the right. (See fig. 13_d_.) It has no other
ornamentation. The same remark is to be made about the indifferent use of
the Swastika in association with cross or circle. We have seen many
Swastikas composed of the crossed ogee lines or curves. Figs. 85 and 86
show the same ogee lines and curves not crossed; and thus, while it may be
that neither of them are Swastikas, yet they show a relationship of form
from which the derivation of a Swastika would be easy.
[Illustration: Fig. 83. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL, FLATTENED. Ogee Swastika
with central circle. Third city. Depth, 23 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig.
1987.]
[Illustration: Fig. 84. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH SIX OGEE SWASTIKAS
HAVING CENTRAL CIRCLE AND DOT. Third city. Depth, 23 feet. Schliemann,
"Ilios," fig. 1862.]
[Illustration: Fig. 85. SPHERICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH FLATTENED TOP AND
OGEE LINES WHICH DO NOT FORM SWASTIKAS. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1890.]
[Illustration: Fig. 86. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL WITH OGEE CURVES WHICH ARE
NOT CROSSED TO FORM SWASTIKAS. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1889.]
Attention has been called to decorations comprising segments of the
circles incised in these whorls, the periphery of which is toward their
centers (figs. 60, 64, 65, 69, 70, 82 and 83). Also to the mysterious dots
(figs. 46, 56, 75, 76, 77, 79, 84, 92, 96 and 97). Fig. 87 shows a
combination of the segments of three circles, the dots within each, and
two Swastikas. Of the Swastikas, one is normal, turning to the right; the
other turns to the right, but at an obtuse angle, with one end straight
and the other irregularly curved. Fig. 88 represents two sections of a
terra-cotta sphere divided similar to fig. 49. Each of these sections
contains a figure like unto a Swastika and which may be related to it. It
is a circle with arms springing from the periphery, which arms turn all to
the left, as they do in the ogee Swastika. One has seven, the other nine,
arms. One has regular, the other irregular, lines and intervals. Fig. 89
represents a spindle-whorl of terra cotta nearly spherical, with
decoration of a large central dot and lines springing thereout, almost
like the spokes of a wheel, then all turning to the left as volutes. In
some countries this has been called the sun symbol, but there is nothing
to indicate that it had any signification at Hissarlik. One of the marks
resembles the long-backed, four-legged animal (figs. 99 and 100).[148]
Figs. 90, 91, 92, and 93 show a further adaptation of the ogee curve
developed into a Swastika, in which many arms start from the center circle
around the central hole in the whorl, finally taking a spiral form. The
relation of this to a sun symbol is only mentioned and not specified or
declared. The inexplicable and constantly recurring dots are seen in fig.
90.
[Illustration: Fig. 87. SPHERICAL SPINDLE-WHORL, FLATTENED. Two Swastikas
combined with segments and dots. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1988.]
[Illustration: Fig. 88. SECTIONS OF TERRA-COTTA SPHERE.[149] Central
circles with extended arms turning to the left, ogee and zigzag.
Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1993.]
[Illustration: Fig. 89. SPHERICAL SPINDLE-WHORL. Large central dot with
twelve arms, similar in form to the ogee Swastika. Schliemann, "Ilios,"
fig. 1946.]
It is not contended that these are necessarily evolutions of the Swastika.
We will see farther on many lines and forms of decoration by incised lines
on these Trojan whorls, which may have had no relation to the Swastika,
but are inserted here because persons rich in theories and brilliant in
imagination have declared that they could see a resemblance, a relation,
in this or some other decoration. As objects belonging to the same
culture, from the same locality, and intimately associated with
unmistakable Swastikas, they were part of the _res gestæ_, and as such
entitled to admission as evidence in the case. The effect of their
evidence is a legitimate subject for discussion and argument. To refuse
these figures admission would be to decide the case against this
contention without giving the opposing party an opportunity to see the
evidence or to be heard in argument. Therefore the objects are inserted.
[Illustration: Fig. 90. SPINDLE-WHORL. Central dot with ogee arms
radiating therefrom in different directions, but in the form of a
Swastika. Third City. Depth, 29 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1830.]
[Illustration: Fig. 91. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH CENTRAL HOLE AND RADIATING
ARMS. Third city. Depth, 23 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1842.]
Specimens of other crosses are presented because the Swastika is
considered to be a form of the cross. There may have been no evolution or
relationship between them; but no person is competent to decide from a
mere inspection or by reason of dissimilarity that there was not. We have
to plead _ignoramus_ as to the growth and evolution of both cross and
Swastika, because the origin of both is lost in antiquity. But all are
fair subjects for discussion. There certainly is nothing improbable in the
relationship and evolution between the Swastika and the cross. It may be
almost assumed.
[Illustration: Fig. 92. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH CENTRAL CIRCLE AND MANY ARMS.
Fourth city. Depth, 19.8 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1837.]
[Illustration: Fig. 93. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH CENTRAL HOLE, LARGE CIRCLE, AND
MANY CURVED ARMS. Third city. Depth, 29 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig.
1833.]
Evidence leading to conviction may be found in associated contemporaneous
specimens. M. Montelius, an archæologist of repute in the National Museum
at Stockholm, discovered eight stages of culture in the bronze age of that
country, which discovery was based solely upon the foregoing principle
applied to the fibulæ found in prehistoric graves. In assorting his stock
of fibulæ, he was enabled to lay out a series of eight styles, each
different, but with many presentations. He arranged them seriatim,
according to certain differences in size, style, elegance of workmanship,
etc., No. 1 being the smallest, and No. 8 the largest and most elaborate.
They were then classified according to locality and association, and he
discovered that Nos. 1 and 2 belonged together, on the same body or in the
same grave, and the same with Nos. 2 and 3, 3 and 4, and so on to No. 8,
but that there was no general or indefinite intermixture; Nos. 1 and 3 or
2 and 4 were not found together and were not associated, and so on. Nos. 7
and 8 were associated, but not 6 and 8, nor 5 and 7, nor was there any
association beyond adjoining numbers in the series. Thus Montelius was
able to determine that each one or each two of the series formed a stage
in the culture of these peoples. While the numbers of the series
separated from each other, as 1, 5, 8, were never found associated, yet
it was conclusively shown that they were related, were the same object,
all served a similar purpose, and together formed an evolutionary series
showing their common origin, derivative growth and continuous improvement
in art, always by communication between their makers or owners.
[Illustration: Fig. 94. LARGE BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL. Four crosses with
bifurcated arms. Third city. Depth, 23 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig.
1855.]
[Illustration: Fig. 95. SPINDLE-WHORL. Hole and large circle in center
with broad arms of Greek cross. Third city. Depth, 26.4 feet. Schliemann,
"Ilios," fig. 1820.]
[Illustration: Fig. 96. SPINDLE-WHORL. Hole and large circle in center.
Extended parallel arms with dots, forming a Greek Cross. Third city.
Depth, 23 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1817.]
[Illustration: Fig. 97. SPINDLE-WHORL. Greek cross. Tapering arms with
dots. Third city. Depth, 23 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1818.]
Thus it may be with the other forms of crosses, and thus it appears to be
with the circle and spiral Swastikas and those with ends bent in opposite
and different directions. Just what their relations are and at which end
of the series the evolution began, is not argued. This is left for the
theorists and imaginists, protesting, however, that they must not run wild
nor push their theories beyond bounds. Fig. 94 represents four crosses,
the main arms of which are at right angles, and each and all ends, instead
of being turned at an angle which would make them Swastikas, are
bifurcated and turn both ways, thus forming a foliated cross similar to
the Maya cross, the "Tree of life." Figs. 95, 96, and 97 show Greek
crosses. The centers of the crosses are occupied by the central hole of
the whorl, while the arms extend to the periphery. In the centers of the
respective arms are the ubiquitous dots. The question might here be asked
whether these holes, which represented circles, stood for the sun symbol
or solar disk. The question carries its own answer and is a refutation of
those who fancy they can see mythology in everything. Fig. 98 is the same
style of figure with the same dots, save that it has three instead of four
arms. Figs. 99 and 100 each show four of the curious animals heretofore
represented (fig. 56) in connection with the Swastika. They are here
inserted for comparison. They are all of the same form, and one
description will serve. Back straight, tail drooping, four legs, round
head showing eye on one side, and long ears resembling those of a rabbit
or hare, which, in fig. 56, are called horns. The general remarks in
respect to the propriety of inserting crosses and burning altars (p. 824)
apply with equal pertinency to these animals and to the unexplained dots
seen on so many specimens. Fig. 101 shows both ends of a spindle-whorl,
and is here inserted because it represents one of the "burning altars" of
Dr. Schliemann, associated with a Swastika, as in figs. 61, 66, and 68,
and even those of figure-8 style (figs. 64 and 69).
[Illustration: Fig. 98. SPINDLE-WHORL. Central hole and three arms with
dots. Third city. Depth, 23 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1819.]
[Illustration: Fig. 99. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL. Four animals are shown
similar to those found associated with the Swastika. Third city. Depth, 33
feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1877.]
[Illustration: Fig. 100. BICONICAL SPINDLE-WHORL. Four animals are shown
similar to those found associated with the Swastika. Fourth city. Depth,
19.6 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 1867.]
[Illustration: Fig. 101. SPINDLE-WHORL WITH FIGURE-8 SWASTIKA (?) AND SIX
"BURNING ALTARS." Fourth city. Depth, 19.6 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig.
1838.]
Dr. Schliemann found, during his excavations on the hill of Hissarlik, no
less than 1,800 spindle-whorls. A few were from the first and second
cities; they were of somewhat peculiar form (figs. 72 and 74), but the
greatest number were from the third city, thence upward in decreasing
numbers. The Swastika pure and simple was found on 55 specimens, while its
related or suggested forms were on 420 (pp. 809, 819). Many of the other
whorls were decorated with almost every imaginable form of dot, dash,
circle, star, lozenge, zigzag, with many indefinite and undescribable
forms. In presenting the claims of the Swastika as an intentional sign,
with intentional, though perhaps different, meanings, it might be
unsatisfactory to the student to omit descriptions of these associated
decorative forms. This description is impossible in words; therefore the
author has deemed it wiser to insert figures of these decorations as they
appeared on the spindle-whorls found at Troy, and associated with those
heretofore given with the Swastika. It is not decided, however, that these
have any relation to the Swastika, or that they had any connection with
its manufacture or existence, either by evolution or otherwise, but they
are here inserted to the end that the student and reader may take due
account of the association and make such comparison as will satisfy him.
(Figs. 102 to 124.)
[Illustration: Figs. 102-113. TROJAN SPINDLE-WHORLS. Schliemann, "Ilios."]
[Illustration: Figs. 114-124. TROJAN SPINDLE-WHORLS. Schliemann, "Ilios."]
_Leaden idol of Hissarlik._--Dr. Schliemann, in his explorations on the
hill of Hissarlik, at a depth of 23 feet, in the third, the burnt city,
found a metal idol (fig. 125), which was determined on an analysis to be
lead.[150] It was submitted to Professor Sayce who made the following
report:[151]
It is the Artemis Nana of Chaldea, who became the chief deity of
Carchemish, the Hittite capital, and passed through Asia Minor to the
shores and islands of the Ægean Sea. Characteristic figures of the
goddess have been discovered at Mycenæ as well as in Cyprus.
In "Troja" Professor Sayce says:
Precisely the same figure, with ringlets on either side of the head,
but with a different ornament (dots instead of Swastika) sculptured on
a piece of serpentine was recently found in Mæonia, and published by
M. Salmon Reinach in Revue Archæologique. By the side of the goddess
stands the Babylonian Bel, and among the Babylonian symbols that
surround them is the representation of one of the terra-cotta whorls,
of which Dr. Schliemann found such multitudes at Troy.
The chief interest to us of Dr. Schliemann's description of the idol lies
in the last paragraph:[152]
The vulva is represented by a large triangle, in the upper side of
which we see three globular dots; we also see two lines of dots to the
right and left of the vulva. The most curious ornament of the figure
is a Swastika, which we see in the middle of the vulva. * * * So far
as we know, the only figures to which the idol before us has any
resemblance are the female figures of white marble found in tombs in
Attica and in the Cyclades. Six of them, which are in the museum at
Athens, * * * represent naked women. * * * The vulva is represented on
the six figures by a large triangle. * * * Similar white Parian marble
figures, found in the Cyclades, whereon the vulva is represented by a
decorated triangle, are preserved in the British Museum. Lenorment, in
"Les Antiquités de la Troade" (p. 46), says: "The statuettes of the
Cyclades, in the form of a naked woman, appear to be rude copies made
by the natives, at the dawn of their civilization, from the images of
the Asiatic goddess which had been brought by Phoenician merchants.
They were found in the most ancient sepulchers of the Cyclades, in
company with stone weapons, principally arrowheads of obsidian from
Milo, and with polished pottery without paintings. We recognize in
them the figures of the Asiatic Venus found in such large numbers from
the banks of the Tigris to the island of Cyprus, through the whole
extent of the Chaldeo-Assyrian, Aramæan, and Phoenician world. Their
prototype is the Babylonian Zarpanit, or Zirbanit, so frequently
represented on the cylinders and by terra-cotta idols, the fabrication
of which begins in the most primitive time of Chaldea and continues
among the Assyrians.
[Illustration: Fig. 125. LEADEN IDOL OF ARTEMIS NANA OF CHALDEA, WITH
SWASTIKA.[153] Third city. Depth, 23 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 126.
1-1/3 natural size.]
It is to be remarked that this mark is not on the vulva, as declared by
Schliemann, but rather on a triangle shield which covers the _mons
veneris_.
Professor Sayce is of the opinion, from the evidence of this leaden idol,
that the Swastika was, among the Trojans, a symbol of the generative power
of man.
An added interest centers in these specimens from the fact that
terra-cotta shields of similar triangular form, fitted to the curvature of
the body, were worn in the same way in prehistoric times by the aboriginal
women of Brazil. These pieces have small holes at the angles, apparently
for suspension by cords. The U. S. National Museum has some of these, and
they will be figured in the chapter relating to Brazil. The similarity
between these distant objects is remarkable, whether they were related or
not, and whether the knowledge or custom came over by migration or not.
[Illustration: Fig. 126. TERRA-COTTA VASE WITH MAMELON. Fourth city.
Depth, 16.5 feet. Cat. No. 149676, U. S. N. M. 1/3 natural size.]
[Illustration: Fig. 127. TERRA-COTTA VASE WITH CIRCLE OR RING. Fourth
city. Depth, 20 feet. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 988. 1/3 natural size.]
_Owl-shaped vases._--It is also remarkable to note in this connection the
series of owl-shaped terra-cotta vases of the ruined cities of Hissarlik
and their relation to the Swastika as a possible symbol of the generative
power. These vases have rounded bottoms, wide bellies, high shoulders (the
height of which is emphasized by the form and position of the handles),
the mouth narrow and somewhat bottle-shaped, but not entirely so. What
would be the neck is much larger than usual for a bottle, and more like
the neck of a human figure, which the object in its entirety represents in
a rude, but, nevertheless, definite, manner. At the top of the vase are
the eyes, eyebrows, and the nose. It is true that the round eyes, the
arched eyebrows, and the pointed nose give it somewhat an owlish face, but
if we look at fig. 127, the human appearance of which is emphasized by the
cover of the vase, which serves as a cap for the head and has the effect
of enlarging it to respectable dimensions, we will see how nearly it
represents a human being. The U. S. National Museum possesses one of these
vases in the Schliemann collection (fig. 126). It has the face as
described, while the other human organs are only indicated by small knobs.
It and the three figures, 127, 128, and 129, form a series of which the
one in the Museum would be the first, the others following in the order
named. No. 2 in the series has the female attributes indefinitely and
rudely indicated, the lower organ being represented by a concentric ring.
In No. 3 the mammæ are well shown, while the other organ has the
concentric ring, the center of which is filled with a Greek cross with
four dots, one in each angle, the _Croix swasticale_ of Zmigrodzki (fig.
12). No. 4 of the series is more perfect as a human, for the mouth is
represented by a circle, the mammæ are present, while in the other
locality appears a well-defined Swastika. The first three of these were
found in the fourth city at 20 to 22 feet depth, respectively; the last
was found in the fifth city at a depth of 10 feet. The leaden idol (fig.
125), with its Swastika mark on the triangle covering the private parts,
may properly be considered as part of the series. When to this series is
added the _folium vitus_ of Brazil (pl. 18), the similarity becomes
significant, if not mysterious. But, with all this significance and
mystery, it appears to the author that this sign, in its peculiar
position, has an equal claim as a symbol of blessing, happiness, good
fortune, as that it represents the generative power.
[Illustration: Fig. 128. TERRA-COTTA VASE WITH CIRCLE OR RING AND CROIX
SWASTICALE. Schliemann, "Ilios," fig. 986. 1/6 natural size.]
[Illustration: Fig. 129. TERRA-COTTA VASE WITH CIRCLE OR RING INCLOSING
SWASTIKA. Schliemann, "Troja," fig. 101. 2/5 natural size.]
From the earliest time of which we have knowledge of the thoughts or
desires of man we know that the raising up "heirs of his body" constituted
his greatest blessing and happiness, and their failure his greatest
misery. The first and greatest command of God to man, as set forth in the
Holy Bible, is to "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the
earth."[154] This was repeated after the Deluge,[155] and when He
pronounced the curse in the Garden, that upon the woman[156] was, "In
sorrow thou shalt bring forth children." God's greatest blessing to
Abraham, when He gave to him and his seed the land as far as he could see,
was that his seed should be as the dust of the earth, "so that if a man
can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be
numbered."[157] "Tell the stars, if thou be able to number them * * * so
shall thy seed be. * * * As the father of many nations," etc. We all know
the story of Sarai, how, when she and Abraham had all riches and power on
earth, it was as naught while they were childless, and how their greatest
blessing was the Divine promise of an heir, and that their greatest
happiness was over the birth of Isaac. This may be no proof of the
symbolism of the Swastika, but it shows how, in high antiquity, man's
happiness in his children was such as makes the Swastika mark, in the
position indicated, equally a symbol of good fortune and blessing as it
was when put on the spindle-whorls of Hissarlik, the vases of Greece, or
the fibulæ of Etruria.
_The age of the Trojan cities._--It may be well to consider for a moment
the age or epoch of these prehistoric Trojan cities on the hill of
Hissarlik. Professor Virchow was appealed to by Schliemann for his
opinion. He says:[158]
Other scholars have been inclined to ascribe the oldest cities of
Hissarlik to the Neolithic age, because remarkable weapons and
utensils of polished stone are found in them. * * * This conception is
unjustified and inadmissible. To the third century A. D. belongs the
surface of the fortress hill of Hissarlik, which still lies above the
Macedonian wall; and the oldest "cities"--although not only polished
stones but also chipped flakes of chalcedony and obsidian occur in
them--nevertheless fall within the age of metals, for even in the
first city utensils of copper, gold, and even silver were dug up. No
stone people, properly so called, dwelt upon the fortress hill of
Hissarlik, so far as it has been uncovered.
Virchow's opinion that none of the cities of Hissarlik were in the stone
age may be correct, but the reason he gave is certainly doubtful. He says
they come within the age of metals, for, or because, "_utensils of copper,
gold, and even silver were dug up among the ruins of the first city_."
That the metals, gold, silver, or copper, were used by the aborigines, is
no evidence that they were in a metal age, as it has been assigned and
understood by prehistoric archæologists. The great principle upon which
the names of the respective prehistoric ages--stone, bronze, and
iron--were given, was that these materials were used for cutting and
similar implements. The use of gold and silver or any metal for ornamental
purposes has never been considered by archæologists as synchronous with a
metal age. Indeed, in the United States there are great numbers of
aboriginal cutting implements of copper, of which the U. S. National
Museum possesses a collection of five or six hundred; yet they were not in
sufficient number to, and they did not, supersede the use of stone as the
principal material for cutting implements, and so do not establish a
copper age in America. In Paleolithic times bone was largely used as
material for utensils and ornaments. Bone was habitually in use for one
purpose or another, yet no one ever pretended that this establishes a bone
age. In countries and localities where stone is scarce and shell abundant,
cutting implements were, in prehistoric times, made of shell; and chisels
or hatchets of shell, corresponding to the polished stone hatchet, were
prevalent wherever the conditions were favorable, yet nobody ever called
it an age of shell. So, in the ruined cities of Hissarlik, the first five
of them abounded in stone implements peculiar to the Neolithic age, and
while there may have been large numbers of implements and utensils of
other materials, yet this did not change it from the polished stone age.
In any event, the reason given by Virchow--i. e., that the use,
undisputed, of copper, gold, and silver by the inhabitants of these
cities--is not evidence to change their culture status from that
denominated as the polished stone age or period.
Professor Virchow subsequently does sufficient justice to the antiquity of
Schliemann's discoveries and says[159] while "it is impossible to assign
these strata to the stone age, yet they are indications of what is the
oldest known settlement in Asia Minor of a people of prehistoric times of
some advance in civilization," and[160] that "no place in Europe is known
which could be put in direct connection with any one of the six lower
cities of Hissarlik."