Zur Deutung der Friesdarstellungen auf den Diademen von Moñes

Abstract

The Moñes diadems belong among the most exceptional and unique works of the Iron
Age in North-Western Spain and for this reason have often been studied. In recent years,
research has focused on an attempt to recognise a guiding thread linking together the horsemen,
shield-bearers and animals (narrative art). The present paper is devoted to an analysis
of that narrative value before ultimately discarding it.
On the contrary, these pieces represent an unspecified gathering in a festive atmosphere,
evoking certain ties with vessels (for eating and drinking), with birds and fish and, above all,
with figures that appear in the guise of warriors. In this way, the diadems lack any narrative
value but instead have a great content in terms of recognition, embodied in an affirmative
effect. They confirm the values of a warrior society (aristocracy) shared by all the societies
around the Mediterranean such as the Hallstatt and de La Tène cultures.