Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Bronze objects : Bronze cut-out plaque of hunter and agrimi [Χ3705]

The “Cretan Polis” ➔ Bronze cut-out plaque of hunter and agrimi

Χ3705

Metal (Bronze)

Mended from 7 fragments

Height: 12 cm.

Syme

Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite

Early Archaic period:

630-620 BC:

Gallery:

XVII

Case:

166

Exhibition thematic unit:

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

Sanctuaries

Description

Bronze cut-out plaque depicting a hunter at the moment of capturing an agrimi (wild goat) with his rope. The plaque was originally attached to a wooden backing as a votive offering to the sanctuary. At the Syme sanctuary, Hermes was worshipped in various aspects including that of “Hermes Cedrites”, meaning “Hermes of the Cedars”, protector of his sacred tree and lord of nature, so it is thought that these plaques were placed on a tree. Many of these votives depict hunters shooting arrows at agrimia, capturing them or leading them to the sanctuary for sacrifice. It appears that in the local cult the aspect of Hermes as the lord of nature found fertile ground among the hunters of the time.

Bibliography:

Lebessi Α., “ Ιερόν Ερμού και Αφροδίτης εις Σύμην Βιάννου”, Πρακτικά της εν Αθήναις Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρίας 1973, Athens, 1975, 190-191. Lebessi Α., Το ιερό του Eρμή και της Aφροδίτης στη Σύμη Βιάννου Ι: 1. Χάλκινα κρητικά τορεύματα, Αθήνα 1985, 38, 54, 71-77, 94-98, 155-162.

Author:

S. P.

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