Fish and birds: Two iconographic themes of Muslim origin in medieval Spanish ceramics.

Abstract

 Fish and birds are frequent subjects in Spanish medieval ceramics. Its origins have been related to a confrontation between muslim signs and christian images, based on a formal methodo logy. Other meanings, obtained through different methods -structural or semiotic- offer not only an heterodoxus point of view from western general opinion, but also an opportunity to meet a common line and conclude with a certain typology in the evolution of shapes. Isolated fish refer to multiciplity and fertility, when opposed there are ruled by life generating principles or zodiac images, and in groups they make reference to solar representations or eternal movements. Regar ding birds, they represent space appraisal.