Heraklion Archaeological Museum - CollectiveAccess System : Gold/silver objects : Silver ring with dedicatory inscription [Χ-Α1208]

Silver ring with dedicatory inscription

Χ-Α1208

Metal (Silver)

Incomplete, hoop mended from two pieces

Ring diameter: 2.1 cm.Hoop length: 1.9 cm.Hoop width: 1.1 cm.

Knossos

Sanctuary of Demeter

Classical period:

450-400 BC:

Gallery:

Case:

204

Exhibition thematic unit:

Classical - Hellenistic - Roman period (5th c. BC-4th c. AD). Cities and Sanctuaries

Sanctuaries

Description

Silver ring with inscription. The ring consists of a silver hoop, its top forming a flat, spool-shaped bezel. In the centre of the surface is incised a wild sow in tense pose, with bristling hair on its back. Around this central scene runs an inscription in boustrophedon (“ox-plough turn”) writing: ΝΟΘΟΚΑΡΤΗΣ ΝΙΚΕΤΑΣ F ΜΑΤΡΙ. It gives the name of a certain Nothokartes, who was the victor in local contests on six occasions and offered this ring to the Mother, meaning the goddess Demeter, in tribute. The characters of the inscription provide us with important information on the dating of the ring. The deity worshipped at the sanctuary was identified from this and other finds mentioning her name.

Bibliography:

Boardman J., Greek Gems and Finger Rings, London, 1970, fig.217. Coldstream J. N., Knossos. The Sanctuary of Demeter, Oxford, 1973 131, pl. 83.

Author:

S. P.

Photographs' metadata