Andiron
Andirons are archaeological finds of different time position of ceramic or iron, whose function is not clearly understood.
Andirons are according to conventional reading devices that are used in fireplaces as spacers to glow. The bearing surface is used as a holder for the roasting or cooking material or for skewers, grids or pots. Andirons other hand, can also be used to regulate the air supply to the flame, or glow and to facilitate a better burning of the Schürgutes.
The " andirons ", referred to in the archaeological literature as such, usually are not. As such, they would have to occur in pairs and have burn marks - both is hardly the case. The interpretation of these equipment therefore goes more towards cult device.
As a special form of " andirons " the "moon Idol" apply (Moon Pictures ), device made of ceramic with two or three feet, which have a top end, the shape of a horizontal crescent moon. This at least since the Late Bronze Age urn field culture occur (around 1300-800 BC). Have been interpreted to the effect of archaeologists since the mid-19th century that they were in use in connection with a cultic worship. Another interpretation says that they were attached as ornaments outside the house or the cottage, mostly on the gable or ridge of the thatched roof otherwise - a custom which has survived to the present day. Others see these objects rather a replica of bull horns, also to cultic use. It is conceivable that in real andirons that were, for example, in connection with animal sacrifices in cultic- ritual use, the common practice has been developed to use andirons as a protective sign or the like. At the funeral culture they played less of a role; if - as in eastern Austria - are found in women's graves, they might indicate a stove cult.
A more mundane interpretation states that moon idols were neck supports, among other things, she was compared with Egyptian headrests, whose function is of pictures as certain. Some moon idols are, however, of a form which excludes this purpose. A more mundane interpretation wants to see andirons or moon idols equipment that served to fireplaces for circulation of feet for warmth.
In the early Iron Age "real" fire dogs come from iron to the fore; such example from the Günzschottern were a pair of andirons dredged at Oberried for that ( BC 500-15 ) include (today in the Archaeological Museum Neu-Ulm ) to the typical specimens of the La Tène period.
Andirons were the Middle Ages and in modern times over in use, mostly as a frame of two by a chain or a cross bar attached feet or goats, which served around the fireplace laying on the wood. There are Italian (especially Venetian ), French and German andirons from the Renaissance and other periods of art, decorated with ornaments and figures.
As the " andirons " is also part of the decorative truss are called.
A firedog leads the market town Tieschen in Styria in their coat of arms.