Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Seals : Rectangular seal with priestess [Σ-Κ1279]

Rectangular seal with priestess

Σ-Κ1279

Stone (Sard)

Intact

Length: 1.5 cm. Width: 1.2 cm. Thickness: 0.45 cm.

Knossos, excavation southwest of the palace

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

1600-1500 BC:

Gallery:

VIII

Case:

Exhibition thematic unit:

Late Bronze Age - Neopalatial period (1700-1450 BC). Minoan religion. Palace cult

Cult scenes and religious symbols

Description

Sard sealstone with a female figure raising a sword and holding a ceremonial staff. These are probably marks of priestly rank. She is wearing a flounced skirt with a distinct belt and a transparent cloak, indicated only by its outline and secured with a pin at the shoulder. The production of seals of semiprecious stones that functioned as symbols of their owner’s identity reached its greatest peak during the period 1600-1450 BC.

Bibliography:

Platon, N. and I. Pini. CMS II.3. Iraklion Arch?ologisches Museum. Die Siegel der Neupalastzeit. Berlin, 1984, 19 (no. 16).

Author:

G. F.

Photographs' metadata