Three reliefs from tombs

myminifactory

This is a group of three reliefs from a tomb unearthed in Cyprus, showcasing two standing sphinxes prominently. The sphinx was a mythical creature with the body of a lion, a woman's head and breasts, eagle wings, and according to some accounts, a serpent's tail. It was sent by the gods as punishment for an ancient crime committed against the town of Thebes, preying on its youths and devouring anyone who failed to solve her riddle. King Kreon, the regent of Thebes, offered the throne to whoever could destroy her. Oidipous took up the challenge, and when he solved the Sphinx's riddle, she cast herself off a mountainside in despair. Sphinxes were extremely popular in ancient art. The central relief depicts an enigmatic head-portrait of an unknown individual with the tongue hanging out, possibly an ancient deity. In some ancient cultures, sticking one's tongue out was used as a greeting and a way to reveal that you are good and do not possess a black demon's tongue. On the other end of the spectrum, throughout many cultures of the world, tongue-sticking is a powerful war gesture and an essential move in war dances, often marking a final showdown.