Maltese megalithic art

The Spiral By far the most common design in Maltese megalithic art is that of the spiral and its derivatives. The spiral design is an extremely eye-catching creation which still attracts much interest and speculation as to its meaning. Its conspicuous presence in temple decoration, ceramic design and other art work suggests that the image had a significance that was common to the Maltese islands, very much like language. Yet Maltese spiral decorations are all different in style and character. Some creations follow perfect spiraling circles. Some are grouped into a well planned sequence. Others form compositions of opposed or single spirals. Some spirals are linked in a flowing arrangement. Other seemingly spiral designs are not spirals at all but derivatives in the form of ‘C’ designs and variations. These flowing designs inspired what seem to be naturalistic images of some form of plant or tree. The spiral motif is known from other parts of the world.