Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Bronze objects : Bronze worshipper figurine [Χ1831]

Bronze worshipper figurine

Χ1831

Metal (Bronze)

Intact

Height: 16.5 cm. (with base)

Tylissos

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

1600 - 1450 BC:

Gallery:

VII

Case:

Exhibition thematic unit:

Late Bronze Age - Neopalatial period (1700-1450 BC). Minoan religion - Domestic and open-air cult

Description

One of two bronze figurines of male adorants that were purchased from a villager in Tylissos in the early 20th century, shortly before Iosif Hatzidakis began his excavations there. It is particularly interesting to note that the two figurines and a third similar one found during the excavations (ΑΜΗ Χ1762) come from the Minoan settlement, whereas most bronze human figurines have been found in sacred caves, and fewer at peak sanctuaries. The figurine is of a young man performing a "Minoan salute", the usual posture of most bronze figurines of the Neopalatial period. The upper body is arched backwards, right hand raised to the forehead in what is believed to be a gesture of prayer or invocation of the deity. Besides their cult use, it is thought that bronze figurines also indicated the high social status of the dedicator, who would have had access to bronze objects.

Bibliography:

Hazzidakis, J. Les Villas Minoennes de Tylissos. ?tudes Cr?toises III. Paris, 1934, 95, pl. XXVI. Verlinden, C. Les Statuettes Anthropomorphes Cr?toises en Bronze et en Plomb du IIIe Mill?nnaire au VIIe Si?cle av. J.-C. Archaeologica Transatlantica 4. Providence et Louvain-La-Neuve, 1984, 188.

Author:

E. S.

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