Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Clay objects : Tripod offering table [Π2968]

Tripod offering table

Π2968

Clay, Plaster

Mended and restored.

Height: 21 cm. Diameter: 41 cm.

Gournia

Settlement

Late Bronze Age. Postpalatial period, Late Minoan ΙIIB period.:

1300 - 1200 BC:

Gallery:

Case:

118

Exhibition thematic unit:

Late Bronze Age - Postpalatial period (1300-1100 BC). Settlements. Sanctuaries. Tombs

Communal shrines

Description

Vessel with three legs and circular upper surface forming a shallow cavity in the centre. The core of the vessel is made of coarse clay mixed with gravel and coated with layers of plaster. It is part of the equipment of the communal shrine of the "goddess with upraised arms" at the Gournia settlement. These vessels are known as offering tables because it is thought that fruit, seeds, berries and nuts were placed in them as offerings to the goddess.

Bibliography:

Boyd Hawes, H. et al. Gournia, Vasilike and Other Prehistoric Sites on the Isthmus of Hierapetra, Crete. Philadelphia, 1908, p. 47-48, pl. XI. Gesell, G. C. Town, Palace, and House Cult in Minoan Crete. Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology 67. G?teborg, 1985, 90-92, 200, fig. 118.

Author:

E. S.

Photographs' metadata