Cornucopia: Origins, diffusion and adoption in ancient Irano-Indian semiosphere

In: Studies in people's history, Band 5, Heft 2, S. 166-179

Abstract

Cornucopia or the horn of plenty is one of the cultural and social symbols that signify abundance and blessing in Western culture. Cornucopia originated from Greek mythology, partly related to the legend of Zeus, and partly to the legends of Hercules, Hades, Demeter and Tyche. The sign of cornucopia is also depicted on ancient Iranian and Indian artworks, and the obvious inference is that this was due to Hellenistic influence in both countries.