Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Seals : Prism seal with bull and lion on two sealing surfaces [Σ-Κ1658]

Prism seal with bull and lion on two sealing surfaces

Σ-Κ1658

Stone (Carnelian)

Intact

Diameter of sealing surfaces: a) 1.9-2 cm. b) 2 cm.

Knossos

Venizeleio, Tomb ΙΙΙ

Late Bronze Age. Final Palatial period, Late Minoan ΙΙΙΑ2 period.:

1400-1375 BC:

Gallery:

Case:

Exhibition thematic unit:

Late Bronze Age - Final Palatial period (1450-1300 BC). The Knossos monopalatial system

Jewellery, seals and sealings from settlements and cemeteries, Neopalatial and Final Palatial period

Description

Carnelian three-sided prism seal with a bull and a lion on the two carved sealing surfaces. It has an elaborate gold binding allowing it to be worn around the wrist or neck as an ornament. This is a typical example of the naturalistic style, in which themes taken from nature are depicted with a sense of movement in the landscape. Based on the style, the seal is dated to the Neopalatial period and was probably an heirloom before it was deposited accompanying a burial in Tomb III of the cemetery at the Venizeleio site.

Bibliography:

Platon, N. and Pini, I. Corpus der minoischen und mykenischen Siegel, II.3. Iraklion, Arch?ologisches Museum. Teil 3. Die Siegel der Neupalastzeit. Berlin, 1984, 75 (no. 64).

Author:

G. F.

Photographs' metadata