Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Clay objects : Clay triangular altar [Π24337]

Clay triangular altar

Π24337

Clay

Mended from several pieces and restored in places

Max. Height: 18.1 cm.Max. Length: 30 cm.

Kommos

Temple C

Classical-Hellenistic period:

400-300 BC:

Gallery:

XVII

Case:

181

Exhibition thematic unit:

Geometric - Archaic - Classical period (10th - 4th c. BC). The Sanctuaries. From Minoan cult to the amalgamation of religious beliefs

Sanctuaries

Description

A distinctive type of clay altar. It consists of three pieces which fit together to form a triangular base with slightly incurved sides. At each corner, where the walls join, is an appliqué mould-made sphinx, the details of the face, body and wings added by hand. The altar is covered in a light red glaze and is further decorated with relief tongues and rosettes. The sphinxes stand on low spool-shaped bases, have well-shaped oval faces and are crowned with diadems. Around the neck is a snakelike cord. Their feet, strangely, do not end in lions’ paws as is usually the case, but in hooves. Similar triangular altars are depicted in cult scenes of the Hellenistic period. This altar was found in a deposit near Temple C at Kommos and was probably used in a ceremony performed in the temple. It was used as a surface for another utensil, such as a metal offering vessel, a lamp or an incense burner. Sphinxes in ancient Greek art served an apotropaic purpose, protecting the sanctity of the object and the ritual in which they were used.

Bibliography:

Shaw J.W.-Shaw C.M. (eds.), Kommos ΙV, The Greek Sanctuary, Part 1-2, Princeton-Oxford, 2000, 359-360, pl. 5.20.

Author:

S. P.

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