Horse Archetype and Its Relationship with Hero Patterns on Luster Pottery in the Seljuk

Abstract

Horse with the hero archetype are the most common mythological motif. In Jung’s opinion, archetypes are collective unconscious contents which potentially exist in the human’s mind; therefore, myth is not limited to the time and space. The pattern of horse and horseman was used on pottery and in wall paintings, paintings and drawings throughout the history. This kind of pattern is observed frequently on different artworks of the Seljuk Period (Eleventh and twelfth centuries AD). During the 10th century, due to various events, the Oghuz had come into close contact with Muslim cities. Seljuk Turks had a strong interaction with the nature. They fought with their neighbors to find suitable permanent pastures; so, war and hunting were their favorite works and subjects. One of the artworks on which these patterns were frequently used was golden shades and enamel pottery in the Seljuk Period. Pottery in this period is important in terms of its qualitative and quantitative value. In this article, first we address Jung’s opinions about the hero and horse pattern as an archetype; then, by introducing some samples of golden shades pottery with the pattern of horse and horseman, we will discuss the concept which the Seljuk society had understood.