Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Seals : Bone seal in the shape of a animal head [Σ-Κ444]

Vaulted Tombs of Mesara ➔ Bone seal in the shape of a animal head

Σ-Κ444

Bone

Intact

Height: 2 cm. Dimensions of sealing surface: 1.4 x 1.9 cm.

Hagia Triada

Tholos Tomb Α

Early Bronze Age. Prepalatial period, Early Minoan II period.:

2700 - 2200 BC:

Gallery:

Case:

Exhibition thematic unit:

Early Bronze Age - Prepalatial period (3000 - 1900 BC). Settlements and cemeteries - the rise of ruling groups

Seals. New objects for new needs

Description

Seal in the shape of an animal head with a simple linear design on the sealing surface. The stringhole at the back of the head indicates that the seal was worn as an ornament or amulet. This is one of the earliest theriomorphic seals, meaning seals carved into the shape of animals, birds and insects, which flourished in the Prepalatial period. At that time, seals were carved out of soft materials such as soft stones and bone, using stone tools including small blades and drills. Animal-shaped seals attest to the creativity of the Minoan artists and a freedom of expression in seal shapes that would not reappear until the end of the Bronze Age.

Bibliography:

Krzyszkowska, O. Aegean Seals. An Introduction. Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies Supplement 85. London, 2005, 60-63, 68. Platon, N. Corpus der Minoischen und Mykenischen Siegel. Band II.1. Iraklion Arch?ologisches Museum. Die Siegel der Vorpalastzeit. Berlin, 1969, nr. 17. Sbonias, K. Fr?kretische Siegel. Ans?tze f?r eine Interpretation der Sozial-Politische Entiwicklung auf Kreta w?hrend der Fr?bronzezeit. BAR International Series 620. Oxford, 1995, 44, 165.

Author:

E. S.

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