[ΚΕΝΟ]



Male half-body figurine

Π3444
Clay
Almost Intact, mended.
Height: 13.6 cm. Maximum width: 4 cm.
Petsophas
Peak Sanctuary
Middle Bronze Age. Late Prepalatial - Protopalatial period, Middle Minoan Ι - II period.:
1900 - 1700 BC:
Gallery:
II
Case:
21
Exhibition thematic unit:
Middle Bronze Age - Late Prepalatial-Protopalatial period (2200-1700 BC). From small communities to towns
Peak sanctuaries
Description
A figurine deliberately made in the shape of half a male body. The traces of paint show that it was painted solid black. There is no hair on the head, while the eyes are indicated in white. The short garment covering the lower torso and upper thighs is also painted white, as is the high footwear. Male half-bodies belong to a group of votives at Petsophas depicting half-bodies and human body parts such as arms and legs. They are believed to be offerings made by sick people praying to the deity for healing of the specific body part depicted. The half-bodies may indicate cases of hemiplegia.
Bibliography:
Arnott, R. "Healing Cult in Minoan Crete." In P.P. Betancourt, V. Karageorghis, R. Laffineur, W.-D. Niemeier (eds), Meletemata. Studies in Aegean Archaeology Presented to Malcom H. Wiener as He Enters His 65th Year. Vol. I. Aegaeum 20. Li?ge, 1999, 1-6. Myres, J.L., "Excavations at Palaikastro II. The sanctuary-site of Petsofa." Annual of the British School at Athens 9 (1902/3): 356-387. Rutkowski, Β. Petsophas. A Cretan Peak Sanctuary. Warsaw, 1991, 92, pl. XLII:12.
Author:
E. S.


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