Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Clay objects : Part of clay bull rhyton [Π2175]

Part of clay bull rhyton

Π2175

Clay

Incomplete, much restored especially on the neck, and mended from a few sherds

Length: 24 cm.

Dictaean Cave (Cave of Psychro)

Late Bronze Age, Final Palatial - Postpalatial period. Late Minoan III period:

1400- 1070 BC έλεγχος:

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 partially preserved bull rhyton is one of many found in Crete. These are distinctively shaped vessels used for pouring ritual libations, as we see from the pouring hole in addition to the central opening for filling the vessel. This rhyton stands out for the quality of its shaping and decoration. The bull’s head is quite naturalistically and realistically modelled, while the details are highlighted in reddish-brown paint. It is also interesting to note the rendering of the animal’s hair.

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, 240, pl. XLVII.

Author:

S. P.

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