Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Clay objects : Cup-rhyton with decoration of double axes [Π16305]

Cup-rhyton with decoration of double axes

Π16305

Clay

Incomplete, mended and restored.

Height: 16 cm. Rim diameter: 16 cm.

Zakros

Palace, Building C, Room Π

Late Bronze Age. Neopalatial period, Late Minoan ΙI period.:

1500-1450 BC:

Gallery:

Case:

Exhibition thematic unit:

Late Bronze Age - Neopalatial period (1700-1450 BC). The New Palaces. The zenith of Minoan civilisation

Palace of Zakros

Description

Cup-rhyta, with a hole in the tip for pouring out the liquid contents, are found in various shapes and sizes, mainly in the Neopalatial period. This vessel from Zakros stands out for the harmonious outlines of its body and its tall foot, while some elements, such as the thin strap handle and the relief knob on its surface, betray the morphological influence of similar vessels made of precious metals. The decoration, occupying a wide zone on the upper body, is typical of the Special Palatial Tradition which dominates the vase-painting of the Late Minoan IB period. It depicts a row of double axes combined with discs and filling motifs, groups of lines and stylised rocks. The emblematic theme of the double axe is thought to represent the main ritual instrument for the sacrifice of the bull, an act that lies at the heart of the Minoan religion. The decorative motif, in a repeated pattern following the style of the period, indicates that this vessel was used as a ritual libation vessel. Another, almost identical vessel comes from the palace of Zakros. As is the case with other types of rhyta, cup-rhyta of similar shape and decoration may have been used in pairs in rituals in the context of Minoan cult practice.

Bibliography:

Platon, N. Zakros. Το Νέον Μινωϊκόν Ανάκτορον. Η εν Αθήναις Αρχαιολογική Εταιρεία, Athens, 1974.

Author:

I. N.

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