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Talismanic prism seal

Σ-Κ336
Stone (Carnelian)
Intact
Length: 2.2 cm. Width: 1.1 cm.
Knossos
Palace
Late Bronze Age. Neopalatial period, Late Minoan I period.:
1600 - 1450 BC:
Gallery:
V
Case:
53
Exhibition thematic unit:
Late Bronze Age - Neopalatial period (1700-1450 BC). The New Palaces. The zenith of Minoan civilisation
Scripts and sealing practices
Description
Three-sided prism seal with vertical stringhole. On one side is an animal mask or a papyrus motif between deep incisions, two drill holes and an oval cavity. On the other side the artisan has carved two stylised opposed fish. This belongs to a special category known as "talismanic" seals. These were originally believed to be magical or apotropaic amulets, due to their abstract imagery resembling magical symbols. They depict themes from the animal and marine worlds, papyri, floral compositions, libation vases, amphorae, double axes and abstract motifs.
Bibliography:
Onassoglou, A. Die "Talismanischen Siegel". CMS Beiheft 2. Berlin, 1985, PA-5, FI-101. Platon, N. and I. Pini. CMS II.3. Iraklion Arch?ologisches Museum. Die Siegel der Neupalastzeit. Berlin, 1984, 15 (no. 12).
Author:
G. F.


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