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Cyprus stamps - January 2012 Issues
"Horses" on stamps
The first stamp issue of 2012 is entitled "Horses" and will be released on Tuesday 31st January. Also available in full sheets (8 stamps per sheet) and official First Day Covers.
The issues will consist of the following:
A set of 4 stamps with values €0,26, €0,34, €0,51, €0,85
Full sheets of 8 stamps (Size of stamps: 38x30mm).
Official First Day Covers.
The Horse, or equus ferus caballus, is a four-legged single-toed mammal belonging to the enquidae family. Following a number of cross breeding and genetic changes the horse evolved as we know it today. It is a tall animal and known for its proud look. It was domesticated by man around 4500 BC. Many ancient gods and Kings of Greece are associated with renowned horses such as Hercules, or Perseus with Pegasus - the famous winged horse and Alexander the Great with Buchephalus.
Horses were to be found in Cyprus from 2000 BC. They were characteristically known as "portantarika" and because they were animals of exceptional beauty, physique, character and had many uses, they were considered spoils of war. With the passing of time their number was reduced considerably.
In ancient times the horse was used for agricultural purposes and as a means of transport but also as a tool in war. It helped people to spread to new areas and in the migration of entire peoples. Today, the horse's use as a means of transport in Europe has almost been eradicated. Horses are used for riding and racing, in presidential and royal guards and in some cases by mounted police.
Text provided by the Agricultural Department, Nicosia.
Technical Information:
Design Artwork: Melanie Efstathiadou, Nicosia
Printing method: Litho-Offset on unwatermarked paper.
Printer: Giesecke & Devrient Matsoukis S.A., Greece
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