[ΚΕΝΟ]



Gold "Runner's Ring"

Χ-Α1699
Metal (Gold)
Intact, slightly deformed on the left side of the bezel and the hoop. Two small holes in the bezel
Bezel length: 1.8 cm. Bezel width: 0.9 cm. Hoop diameter: 1.5 cm.
Syme
Sacred Enclosure
Late Bronze Age. Neopalatial period, Late Minoan ΙA period.:
1600 - 1500 BC:
Gallery:
VI
Case:
61
Exhibition thematic unit:
Late Bronze Age - Neopalatial period (1700-1450 BC). Private and public life. Bread and circuses
Athletes and acrobats
Description
Gold signet ring with scene on the bezel and perpendicular grooves on the hoop. A male runner in the centre appears to be running towards another male figure, while a female figure stands behind him. The figures on either side of the runner are both wearing ceremonial dress. The male figure also appears to be holding the distinctive religious symbol known as a "snake frame". A fringed band along the top of the scene is interpreted as an astral symbol, perhaps a comet, while the double line at the bottom of the scene indicates an elongated structure of some sort. This scene is unique, although its individual elements are found in Minoan frescoes and seals. It depicts a sporting event which also had a religious significance in Minoan culture, as we know from other examples. The runner shown was probably the victor in the sport depicted on the ring. It was dedicated as a votive at the open-air sanctuary of Syme, where it was found next to other offerings thousands of years after its ritual deposition.
Bibliography:
Lebessi, Α. "Το Ιερό του Ερμή και της Αφροδίτης στη Σύμη Βιάννου." Πρακτικά της εν Αθήναις Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας (2000): 181-191. Lebessi, A., P. Muhly, G. Papasavvas. "The Runner's Ring, A Minoan Athlete's Dedication at the Syme Sanctuary, Crete". Mitteilungen des Deutschen Arch?ologischen Instituts Athenische Abteilung 119 (2004): 1-31. Rethemiotakis, G. "Ring." In M. Andreadaki-Vlazaki, G. Rethemiotakis, N. Dimopoulou-Rethemiotaki (eds), From the Land of the Labyrinth. Minoan Crete, 3000 - 1100 B.C., New York, 2008, 204.
Author:
E. S.


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