3rd Exhibition

Maltese Megalithic Art

Visited: 8th April 2013

Maltese megalithic art follows forms which are unique and highly distinguishable in appearance. Representations and designs fall mainly into four categories:

• Spirals and their variations
• Animal, fish and plant representations
• Abstract decorations
• Pitted decorations

Most of the decorated stones on display come from the Tarxien temples where megalithic art reached it's highest level of expression. Other decorated stone work has been discovered at the temple sites of Ħagar Qim, Mnajdra, tal-Qadi, tas-Silġ, Buġibba and Ġgantija.

The decorated stones may have had various functions. One role was that of providing temple interiors with artistic creations that were eye-catching. Some stones may have functioned as sacrificial or votive altars. Others seem to have serred as screens and barriers closing off access points and thus securing internal spaces. 

Ħaġar Qim

I chose this work because it represents the original structure Ħaġar Qim that was made by the artists of the past. It was designed as temple for the gods, a place of sanctuary and adoration.

Mnajdra

This work is an overview of the original large structure of  Mnajdra. This was probably built to the gods that they believed.

Ġgantija

This is a small replica of the oldest structure in Gozo, Ġgantija. It was probably used by the same reasons as the others, a temple or where they made sacrifices to the gods.

Megalithic Pottery

These were the pottery that the people in the prehistoric time used to do. There are pots, vases, cups and there are also some jewellery they used to wear.

Circular Pattern

The particular design represents how much artistic potential the people of that time had. This design also has lots of formal elements like: shape, texture, scale.