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- Title
Early Byzantine Mosaic Floors of the Church at Ozem, Israel.
- Authors
HABAS, Lihi
- Abstract
In the church at Ozem three phases of mosaics were identified, placed on different levels. The early group (A) includes: 1. Part of the carpet of the nave, decorated by a frame depicting a cross with the Geek letters ΑΩΙΧ, flanked by two lions, an amphora, stylized plants, birds, a donkey and peacocks, and a frame of alternating lotus flowers. The carpet consists of geometric medallions, floral patterns, birds and dedicatory inscriptions. 2. A narrow geometric panel. 3. Two geometric inter-columnar panels of the north colonnade. 4. Part of the mosaic of the northern aisle, decorated with a geometric pattern, and an inscription in a medallion dated to the year 430/1 CE. Mosaic group B (the second stage of the church) has been preserved to the west of mosaic group A. The mosaics were laid at a 13˚ deviation to the north in relation to group A. This group is decorated with geometric designs. Mosaic group C (the third stage of the church) is preserved on the western side of the excavation area. This group is decorated with geometric designs. Mosaic group A includes Christian symbols: a pair of lions, symbolizing the faithful, depicted on either side of a cross with the letters ἄ(λϕα) (καί) ὤ(μέγα) and Ἰ(ησοῦς) Χ(ριτός) - Jesus Christ - between its arms, and a peacock, which symbolizes the resurrection awaiting the believers. Group A is characterized by a flat and schematic style, and imperfect placement of the designs in the composition. Because of the difference in heights, it is clear that group B is later than group A. The work shows greater care and is of a better quality, evidence of a different group of artists. The mosaics in group C are the latest in the building.
- Subjects
ISRAEL; BYZANTINE mosaics; CHRISTIAN art &; symbolism
- Publication
Journal of Mosaic Research, 2018, Vol 11, p97
- ISSN
1309-047X
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.26658/jmr.440569