Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Bronze objects : Bronze shield with griffon vulture [Χ8]

Bronze shield with griffon vulture

Χ8

Metal (Bronze)

Restored in several placed and mended

Diameter: 60cm.

Idaean Cave

Cave

Early Archaic period:

675-650 BC:

Gallery:

XVII

Case:

170

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

Bronze shield, a luxury votive offering to the Idaean Cave. It is unclear whether it was produced by a local workshop or foreign craftsmen, either itinerant or permanently settled in Crete. The shield is decorated with repoussé and incised themes of Assyrian origin, although Cypriot influences are also evident. In the centre is a griffon vulture with outspread wings, its bust forming the boss of the shield. It is flanked by heraldic snakes and lions, with a helmeted sphinx and a goat below. The dedication of shields in the cave refers to the myth of the Curetes who protected the infant Zeus, beating their shields to cover his cries and conceal him from his father Cronus, who devoured his own children.

Bibliography:

Orsi P.-Halbherr F., Antichita dell' Antro di Zeus Ideo e di altre localita in Creta (estratto di antichita classica vol. II punt. III), Firenze, 1888, 823, pl. IV. Kunze E., Kretische Bronzereliefs, Stuttgart, 1931, 30, no.1. Canciani F., Bronzi orientali e orientalizzanti a Creta nel VIII e VII sec. A.C, Roma, 1970, 20 no.1. Rizzo M. A., “The First Explorations”, in Ancient Crete, A Hundred Years of Italian Archaeology (1884-1984), Rome, 1984, 28, fig. 4.

Author:

S. P.

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