Motif 3: Forms
Motif 3 is a zoomorph presented in profile. It occurs in two forms: 45 degree and 90 degree, depending on the method of attachment to the base line.
[Note: This is a change from the earlier Motif 3 definition, in which the distinction between 45 and 90 degree forms was based on the angle of the motif relative to the base line. In addition, the previously defined "Various" form has now been subsumed into the 45 and 90 Degree forms.]
[Note: This is a change from the earlier Motif 3 definition, in which the distinction between 45 and 90 degree forms was based on the angle of the motif relative to the base line. In addition, the previously defined "Various" form has now been subsumed into the 45 and 90 Degree forms.]
a b c d e f g
The head is usually either an isosceles or right triangle, with an attached neck. The triangle may be plain (above a, b), in which case the motif often does not look like a zoomorph, or it can be embellished with one or more half-circles (above c, d) which appear to represent an ear, forehead, muzzle and/or jowl. A less common head shape is a simple line with a tapered or rounded end (above e, f). This line can be paired with a quadrilateral (above g), in which case the motif lacks an apparent neck.
a b c d e f
The distal end of the 45 Degree Form terminates with a basal triangle, one side of which lies flat on a base line. The neck or body line parallels one of the remaining triangle sides at a roughly 45 degree angle. The 45 Degree Form may exhibit just a head, neck and basal triangle, or it may display an appendage below the head (above e); in some instances the body line is bent at 90 degrees just below these (above f).
a b c d e f
The 90 Degree Form is composed, at a minimum, of a head and neck attached to a base line (above a, b). The neck (line) may transition into a body (line), which supports one or more appendages which appear to represent wings, arms, legs and/or haunches (above c-f). The distal end usually intersects with the base line at a 90-degree angle.
