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Stone offering table

Λ576
Stone (Serpentine)
Intact
Height: 8.2 cm.
Dictaean Cave (Cave of Psychro)
Middle-Late Bronze Age. Neopalatial period. Middle Minoan III - Late Minoan I period:
1700-1500 BC:
Gallery:
XVII
Case:
174
Exhibition thematic unit:
Geometric - Archaic - Classical period (10th - 4th c. BC). The Sanctuaries. From Minoan cult to the amalgamation of religious beliefs
Sacred Caves
Description
This object is a serpentine offering table. Serpentine is a type of stone known for its decorative qualities. It is dark green in colour with variegated “scales” resembling snakeskin, giving it its name. This offering table is quite low and flat but large. In the upper surface is a circular cavity in which the offerings of the worshippers are thought to have been placed. The square, flat shape indicates that the vessel was placed on a small pillar or pedestal. Moreover, although they are not particularly visible, three symbols of unknown significance have been carved into its surface. The table was found near the main altar of the cult cave of Psychro and may have been used in the various ceremonies performed there.
Bibliography:
Hogarth, D.G., “The Dictaean Cave”, Annual of the British School at Athens 6 (1899-1900), 94-116. Tyree E. L., Cretan Sacred Caves: Archaeological Evidence, Missouri, 1975, 243, pl. LI.
Author:
S. P.


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