Clay worshipper figurine



Clay worshipper figurine

Π4873
Clay
Missing the limbs.
Height: 7.2 cm.
Petsophas
Open-air sanctuary
Middle Bronze Age. 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
Part of a standing male figurine. The head and torso are preserved, with traces of the black colour in which the figurine was painted. The white paint highlighting the eyes, mouth and details of the garment is exceptionally well preserved. The head is hairless, with large eyes and large ears which were made separately and attached. The elaborate necklace and the garment covering the lower torso are rendered in white. The garment consist of the codpiece and a strip of cloth wrapped around the waist, leaving part of the thigh and codpiece uncovered. One end of the cloth is decorated with a band of white dots on a black ground. This type of clothing is typical of the male figurines offered at the Petsophas peak sanctuary, thought to represent worshippers. The jewellery depicted on some of these, particularly the necklaces with pendants, marked the dedicator’s social identity and status.
Bibliography:
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, 25-26, 66, pl. X:4-6. Sapouna - Sakellaraki, Ε. Μινωικόν Ζώμα. Athens, 1971, 13, fig. 1:13, pl. 7α.
Author:
E. S.


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