SWIMMING REINDEER Meaning and
Definition
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Swimming reindeer refers to a prehistoric artifact discovered in the late nineteenth century and is regarded as an iconic representation of the art of the Ice Age. The term specifically describes a pair of reindeer sculptures carved from mammoth ivory depicting two swimming reindeer, with one positioned on top of the other. These artworks were created during the Magdalenian period, roughly 13,000 years ago, and are recognized as masterpieces of Stone Age craftsmanship.
The swimming reindeer is notable for its remarkable attention to detail and sophisticated carving techniques, showcasing the artistic abilities and creativity of early humans. The sculptures provide insight into the cultural and religious beliefs of the species that carved them, as well as their relationship with reindeer and their natural environment.
The significance of the swimming reindeer resides not only in its technical mastery but also in its symbolic representations. It showcases a moment frozen in time, capturing the motion and vitality of these animals in the midst of their struggle against strong currents or crossing a river. The presence of the swimming reindeer in Ice Age art suggests that these creatures may have held a special place within the lives and cultural significance of early human communities.
These ancient sculptures, now housed in the British Museum, are testament to the artistry, ingenuity, and historical significance of the prehistoric era. The swimming reindeer serves as a window into the past, allowing modern-day observers to glimpse and appreciate the artistic achievements and cultural expressions of our ancient ancestors.
Etymology of SWIMMING REINDEER
The term "swimming reindeer" is a descriptive phrase that combines two words: "swimming" and "reindeer".
The word "swimming" comes from the Middle English word "swimman", which can be traced back to the Old English word "swimman" or "swymman". It has Germanic roots and is similar to words in other Germanic languages such as Old Norse "simma".
The word "reindeer" is composed of two elements: "rein" and "deer". "Rein" is derived from the Old Norse word "hreinn", which meant deer or reindeer. The word "deer" comes from the Old English word "dēor", which originally referred to any animal but eventually became restricted to the large grazing animal.
