[ΚΕΝΟ]



Bronze sphinx from decoration of cauldron

Χ170
Metal (Bronze)
Intact except for part of the tail
Height: 4.6 cm. Length: 5.6 cm.
Idaean Cave
Archaic period:
6th c. BC:
Gallery:
XVII
Case:
173
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
Solid bronze cast sphinx, a decorative element from a large ritual cauldron. The sphinx is seated on its hindlegs with outstretched forelegs, straight body, and head, with highly stressed facial features, in three-quarter profile to the left. It is wearing a polos headdress and the long, “layered” hairstyle typical of contemporary Daedalic art. The sphinx has long, sickle-shaped wings with incised details and a tail curved back on itself. It is set on a flat base with architectural scrolls at the ends.
Bibliography:
J. Sakellarakis, Αρχαιολογικές αγωνίες στην Κρήτη του 19ου αι., Heraklion 1998, 80, n. 127. J. Sakellarakis - E. Sapouna-Sakellaraki, Το Ιδαίο Άντρο. Ιερό και μαντείο, Athens 2013, vol. Β., 107-108, pl. 69,2.
Author:
K. S.


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