Re: Misc. Questions
Jenny
 
Tue Apr 11 12:17:52 2000
The Cucullati (Latin for "hooded men") are a common image in Romano-Celtic art.  They appear as figures (often face-less, or with a long mustache) wearing long capes with a hood on top.  Miranda Green (_Symbol and Image in Celtic Religious Art_) suggests that the cloak they wear is similar to the heavy cloak worn by pilgrims visiting holy sanctuaries.  In many cases the Cucullati accompany a Goddess.*p*On the Continent, the Cucullatus is usually a single figure.  He often holds an egg or phallus.  Usually there's something odd about his size -- both dwarves and giants are common.  However in Britain, the Cucullati always appear in threes.  Phalli are less common;  eggs more common.  In some of the carvings the Cucullati appear slightly different.  For instance in one, one of the figures is clearly male but the other two are smaller and more gender-ambiguous.  So it's possible that they are one older man and two younger ones (a pairing common in Romano-Celtic art) or a man and two young women.*p*We're not sure how to interpret them, as there aren't any myths about them.  Even the name "Cucullati" is just a description.  However they're generally associated with symbols of prosperity and fertility, and are often the companions of beneficent goddesses.*p*Jenny*br*
Misc. Questions
Taliesin_2
598
Thu Apr  6 01:08:17 2000