Evans, Arthur J.: The Palace of Minos: a comparative account of the successive stages of the early Cretan civilization as illustred by the discoveries at Knossos (Band 2,1): Fresh lights on origins and external relations (London, 1928)

ORIENTAL COMPARISONS

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In the well-known Hittite rock carving of the sanctuary of Jasili Kaia
at Boghaz Keui1 (Fig. 165, b), we see the relief of a huge sword or dagger-
blade as if stuck into the ground, the hilt of which is composed of two
crouching lions on either side of a boss.2 The religious significance of

c, Persian Bronze Axe, Ecbatana.

a, Early Sumerian Dagger-hilt, Lagash. b, Hittite Rock Carving

of Jasili Kaia.

Fig. 165. .Oriental Comparisons suggested by the Leopard Axe of Mallia.

this is enhanced by the appearance, immediately superposed on it, of the
conjoined forequarters of two more lions, with a human head above, sur-
mounted by a pointed tiara, with which we may compare the divine person-
age holding a double axe who stands on the back of a pacing lion or pard in
a neighbouring relief.3 We may here, indeed, interpret the sacred weapon
■—which, like the double axe, could become the baetylic seat of a divinity—
as assimilated to the divinity itself, conjoined with his guardian beasts.
A close approximation, indeed, to the same idea is to be seen at a later date

. ' Georges Perrot, Hist de I'Art, 6-y-., vol. v , *"* Op. at, Fig. 320, opp. p. 646.
p. 596 seqq. 3 Op. cit., PI. VIII, 3.

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