• Deer figurine



Deer figurine
Deer figurine

Deer figurine

Χ717
Metal (Bronze)
Good
Height: 6 cm. Length: 7.6 cm.
Zakros
[Hogarth excavation]
Geometric period.:
9th - 8th c. BC:
Gallery:
XVII
Case:
174
Exhibition thematic unit:
Geometric - Archaic - Classical period (10th - 4th c. BC). The Sanctuaries. From Minoan cult to the amalgamation of religious beliefs
Psychro Cave - Dictaean Cave
Description
Animal figurine with bodily proportions indicative of a young deer. It has a long, thin neck, a cylinder of even thickness forming the front of the body with slight thickening of the back half, a small tail and slim legs. The highly naturalistic head also indicates that this is a deer: it features a long, narrow, pointed cylindrical muzzle, with nose extending over the mouth and jaw, and small horns with rounded tips. The slim body shows that this is a young animal. The bronzeworker has skilfully depicted the age and species with impressive naturalism. These figurines are votive offerings interpreted as substitutes for the sacrifice of real animals.
Bibliography:
Pilali-Papasteriou, Angeliki. 1985. Die Bronzenen Tierfiguren aus Kreta. C.H. Becksche Verlagsbuchhandlung, München. pp. 89 - 90, pl. 22 (220).
Author:
D. S.


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