Greek Key – Meander – Origins and Meanings
Greek Key or Meander motif
More than likely we’ve all come across the ‘Greek key’, also known as the ‘meander’ (a repeating geometric motif), at some time or another.
During 18th century Europe, along with the rejuvenated enthusiasm for all things Greek; came the Greek Key symbol, a sign of Greek style and taste; a sophisticated, decorative pattern which adorned just about anything.
Today, along with another popular ancient Greek pattern, the acanthus motif, it’s still very much the vogue; the Greek Key motif; usually a decorative border, embellishes jewelry, fabric, carpets, wall-coverings, carpets and magnificent buildings.
A guest bathroom by Briana Nix with Phillip Jeffries. It’s Greek to me wallpaper. Photo by David Nix
Even though we may come into contact with this distinctive pattern on a regular basis, unless we happen to be a classist or archeologist, have we ever stopped to ponder on where this ever-fashionable pattern originated, or even what it is actually called?
What is the meander or Greek Key?
The meander or meandros (Greek: Μαίανδρος), or Greek Key, is a decorative border created from a continuous line, shaped into a repeated motif, much used in Greek and Roman art.
The word meander, in Greek, meaning to take an indirect path, derives from the twisting and turning path of the Maeander River in Asia Minor (present-day Turkey); the 250-mile-long River, which Homer mentions in “The Iliad.”
The Meander River Turkey. Courtesy of the book East to West, Indirectly, Along a Turkish River by Jeremy Seal
In its simplest form, the Greek key is a band of short horizontal and vertical lines, connected at right angles and at its most intricate it can form labyrinths and interlocking key patterns.
Many think, that when looking only at a small, solitary piece of the pattern, it resembles a simple, traditional key, hence the name Greek Key.
Ancient Greek Key Pattern
According to “Psychology Today”; a media organization and magazine, featuring a wide variety of psychologists, anthropologists, sociologists and science journalists, recent finds show the Greek Key was not only a decorative pattern.
It was also a sort of strong hand clasp, used in ancient Greek gymnastics, wrestling and the pankration, a Greek form of martial art, as well as in battle.
Meander – the Chiron handle – the handle of the God-fighters!
The origins of the Greek Key or Meander motif
The exact origins of the Greek Key motif are a bit sketchy; however, as it was used profusely in Paleolithic and Neolithic periods, it pre-dates The Hellenistic period; the period between the death of Alexander the Great in 323 BCE and the conquest of Egypt by Rome in 30 BCE.
Examples of the Greek Key have been discovered from Etruscan, Ancient Greek, Ancient Roman, Byzantine, Mayan, Chinese and Egyptian cultures.
The earliest examples are artifacts found in Mezin (Ukraine) which date back to around 23,000 B.C.
What does The Greek Key Motif symbolize?
Greek Key or Meander Pattern
In Ancient Greece, the unbroken, interlocking pattern of the Meander (Meandros), or Greek Key, was one of the most important symbols; it symbolized infinity, unity and the eternal flow of life through reproduction.
The long, continuous line, repeatedly folding back on itself, which resembles the perpetual flow of water, or waves, represents the eternal movement of Life.
As a sign of continuation, the meander symbol corresponds with never-ending friendship, love and devotion.
Some historians believe that the meander symbol has a strong association with the labyrinth as it can be created with the Greek key pattern.
The Meander-style labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France, one of the world’s best-known labyrinths, which dates back to 1205, was the perfect place for a monk to meditate.
It is believed that the path of the labyrinth symbolizes the human journey from sin to redemption.
Labyrinth of the Chartres Cathedral in France.
Where to find the Greek Key motif
In ancient Greece the Greek key pattern appears in numerous architectural friezes and on pottery from the Geometric Period onwards.
In fact, the widespread use of the Greek Key motif on ancient Greek vases from the Geometric Period was probably the origin of the fascination with this unique, decorative pattern.
Ancient Greek Vase with Greek Key pattern. Attic late geometric pyxis with four horses on the lid. From Kerameikos. 750-735 B.C.
In 1977 at the archaeological site of Vergina, 70 km west of Thessaloniki, Greek archaeologist, Manolis Andronikos, found four undisturbed tombs dating back to the fourth century; two of which belong to Philip II of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great.
Amongst objects found in the tomb belonging to Philip II was his splendid shield, decorated with the meander, now in the museum of Vergina.
The elaborate ceremonial shield of Philip II of Macedon, father of Alexander the Great.
Meanders were incorporated into decorative mosaic floors and murals found in Roman villas throughout the Roman Empire, the symbol was also found in Roman architecture,including the Temple of Jupiter and much later at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
In the Know!
Detail of the Parthenon Panathenaic frieze and fascia showing Greek Key motif. (StudyBlue). Photo from Institute of Classical Architecture and Art
So, now you know!
The next time you spot this wonderful ancient Greek motif, you can say to your friends:
“I know all about that Greek Key pattern”
And when they ask you “how on Earth do you know all that?”, you can reply:
“Because “Greeker” told me!”
