Trunk Calls in Antiquity

Abstract

This chapter is the first episode of the elephant story the book attempts to reconstruct. The sheer quantum of evidence necessitated a splitting of the data into two chapters, where Chapter 4 looks for traces of the animal in archaeology, art, and iconography. It synthesizes the archaeofaunal data testifying the long and intimate association humans have had with the pachyderm, and also takes a look at representations of the animal in rock paintings, seals, and terracottas. Images of caparisoned elephants can perhaps be perceived as early beginnings of a close cultural association with the pachyderm. In most cases, the qualitative details and graphic fidelity of the depictions suggest a spectacular sense of familiarity with these animals.