[ΚΕΝΟ]



Gold cut-out with male figure and lions

Χ-Α1304
Metal (Gold)
Missing parts of the figures and the surface is quite worn
Height: 17.2 cm.Max. Length: 17.7 cm.
Knossos
North Cemetery, Tomb 221
Geometric period:
c. 750 BC:
Gallery:
XIX
Case:
186
Exhibition thematic unit:
Geometric - Archaic - Classical period (10th-4th c. BC). The Cemeteries
Jewellery
Description
Gold foil, probably originally attached to some perishable material which has not survived. The small holes around the outside indicate that it was attached to a surface of leather or wood, or even sewn onto a garment. It depicts a cut-out warrior in a conical helmet and short tunic belted at the waist, holding a dagger in his left hand and grasping the leg of a roaring lion in his right. Another attacking lion stands rampant behind him. This is a common motif of the period, also found in other forms of art. The warrior is probably a divine or heroic figure who tames wild beasts.
Bibliography:
Boardman J., The Cretan Collection in Oxford: The Dictaean Cave and Iron Age Crete, Oxford, 1961, 134-135, fig. 50. Coldstream J.N.-Catling H.W. (eds), Knossos North Cemetery, Early Greek Tombs, vols I-IV, BSA Supplement 28, British School at Athens, Athens, 1996, 215 no.38, 221 no.91, 541, fig. 154, pl. 264. Stampolidis N. Chr. - Karetsou A. (eds) Ανατολική Μεσόγειος, Κύπρος-Δωδεκάνησα-Κρήτη, 16ος-6ος αι. π.Χ., Πανεπιστήμιο Κρήτης-Υπ.Πο. ΚΓ’ ΕΠΚΑ, Heraklion, 1998, 266.
Author:
S. P.


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