DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.8944#0072
170
ARTHUR J. EVANS
divine pair. An interesting parallel to this dual cult is presented by a gold
signet ring, procured by me some years since from the site of Knossos, which
has already been referred to by anticipation as supplying evidence of excep-
tional value regarding the aniconic cult of the Mycenaean world.
The signet ring from the site of Knossos is of a typical Mycenaean form,
with a long oval bezel, set at right angles to the hoop. It is slightly
worn, but the details of the design are still clearly displayed (Fig. 48). To
the extreme left of the field, as it appears in the impression, is seen a rocky
steep with j^lants or small trees growing on it, which may be taken to show
that the scene is laid in a mountainous locality. Immediately in front of this
is a female figure in the flounced Mycenaean dress and with traces of long
tresses falling down her back. She stands on a stone platform which reminds
one of the supporting terraces that form the emplacement of buildings in so
Fig. 48.—Dual Pillar Worship on Gold Signet Ring from Knossos ({).
many of the prehistoric hill cities of Crete. In this case no doubt we have
to do with an open court, the boundary on one side of which is the terrace
wall, on the other steep rocks—a kind of outer temcnos of a sanctuary. This
stone base recurs beneath the cult scenes upon several Mycenaean rings to be
described below.
The female figure who stands here raises her hand in the familiar
attitude of adoration before an obelisk-like pillar, in front of which descends
another small figure, the male sex of which is clearly indicated. This male
divinity—for so we may venture to call it—holds forth what appears to be
a spear in an attitude which recalls the small figure that hovers above the
group on the gold ring, already referred to, from the Akropolis Treasure of
Mycenae. In the present case, however, the characteristic shield which
covers the body of the figure is wanting. The God is entirely nude,
and from his shoulders shoot forth what must certainly be regarded as rays
ARTHUR J. EVANS
divine pair. An interesting parallel to this dual cult is presented by a gold
signet ring, procured by me some years since from the site of Knossos, which
has already been referred to by anticipation as supplying evidence of excep-
tional value regarding the aniconic cult of the Mycenaean world.
The signet ring from the site of Knossos is of a typical Mycenaean form,
with a long oval bezel, set at right angles to the hoop. It is slightly
worn, but the details of the design are still clearly displayed (Fig. 48). To
the extreme left of the field, as it appears in the impression, is seen a rocky
steep with j^lants or small trees growing on it, which may be taken to show
that the scene is laid in a mountainous locality. Immediately in front of this
is a female figure in the flounced Mycenaean dress and with traces of long
tresses falling down her back. She stands on a stone platform which reminds
one of the supporting terraces that form the emplacement of buildings in so
Fig. 48.—Dual Pillar Worship on Gold Signet Ring from Knossos ({).
many of the prehistoric hill cities of Crete. In this case no doubt we have
to do with an open court, the boundary on one side of which is the terrace
wall, on the other steep rocks—a kind of outer temcnos of a sanctuary. This
stone base recurs beneath the cult scenes upon several Mycenaean rings to be
described below.
The female figure who stands here raises her hand in the familiar
attitude of adoration before an obelisk-like pillar, in front of which descends
another small figure, the male sex of which is clearly indicated. This male
divinity—for so we may venture to call it—holds forth what appears to be
a spear in an attitude which recalls the small figure that hovers above the
group on the gold ring, already referred to, from the Akropolis Treasure of
Mycenae. In the present case, however, the characteristic shield which
covers the body of the figure is wanting. The God is entirely nude,
and from his shoulders shoot forth what must certainly be regarded as rays