DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.1117#0257
DRAIN FOR SACRIFICIAL BLOOD 211
On a crystal intaglio from the Idaean Cave, an illustration of which is
here reproduced in Fig. 162,1 where.the Votary summons the divinity by
means of a conch-shell trumpet, we see both altar types represented. That
to the left with the more gently incurving
sides shows above it a conical object, which
might be interpreted as a flame of fire.
Above the other base with the C-like curves
the ' Horns of Consecration' appear—as if
set in another plane—in front of a group of
three trees.2 A five-rayed star to the right
of the last-mentioned altar adds a further
religious element to the scene.
Drain for the Blood of Sacrifices.
The ascending course of a stone drain,
intended to carry off the blood of sacrifices,
was traced beneath the central step-way
leading in a direct line to the altar. Its
opening, which would have been about six
feet in front of the block, had been des- Fig. 163. Clay Vessel found
troyed, but its further course below was NoRT" 01" A,'TAR' ®
visible beneath the pavement of the outer hall of the Chapel. (See
Fig. 157 and Suppl. PI. XLIX.)
This arrangement certainly suggests that the altar was in this case
used for ' bloody sacrifice', the victims—which must have been small
animals—having been led in, as already inferred, through the open passage
to the adyton at its North end, or, alternatively, the blood, already shed,
being brought in in pails and poured before the altar and between the
Double Axes, as shown on the Hagia Triada sarcophagus.
A remarkable clay vessel of cylindrical shape below, showing black
striations, found North of the altar, may have had some ritual use, perhaps
for oil of anointing. The neck, which w;as handle-less, is broken off above,
the height of the vessel in its existing state being 15 centimetres (Fig. 163).
Pyramidal Pedestal of Gypsum; compared with Double-Axe Stands.
In juxtaposition with the altar block, there came to light a curious Pyrami-
gypsum pedestal, one side of which was broken away, but which originally Sumslp
1 See/J. o/M., i, p. 222, Fig. 1G7. "■ Cf. A. E., Myc. Tree ani Pillar, Cult, p. 44, Eg. 25.
pedestal.
On a crystal intaglio from the Idaean Cave, an illustration of which is
here reproduced in Fig. 162,1 where.the Votary summons the divinity by
means of a conch-shell trumpet, we see both altar types represented. That
to the left with the more gently incurving
sides shows above it a conical object, which
might be interpreted as a flame of fire.
Above the other base with the C-like curves
the ' Horns of Consecration' appear—as if
set in another plane—in front of a group of
three trees.2 A five-rayed star to the right
of the last-mentioned altar adds a further
religious element to the scene.
Drain for the Blood of Sacrifices.
The ascending course of a stone drain,
intended to carry off the blood of sacrifices,
was traced beneath the central step-way
leading in a direct line to the altar. Its
opening, which would have been about six
feet in front of the block, had been des- Fig. 163. Clay Vessel found
troyed, but its further course below was NoRT" 01" A,'TAR' ®
visible beneath the pavement of the outer hall of the Chapel. (See
Fig. 157 and Suppl. PI. XLIX.)
This arrangement certainly suggests that the altar was in this case
used for ' bloody sacrifice', the victims—which must have been small
animals—having been led in, as already inferred, through the open passage
to the adyton at its North end, or, alternatively, the blood, already shed,
being brought in in pails and poured before the altar and between the
Double Axes, as shown on the Hagia Triada sarcophagus.
A remarkable clay vessel of cylindrical shape below, showing black
striations, found North of the altar, may have had some ritual use, perhaps
for oil of anointing. The neck, which w;as handle-less, is broken off above,
the height of the vessel in its existing state being 15 centimetres (Fig. 163).
Pyramidal Pedestal of Gypsum; compared with Double-Axe Stands.
In juxtaposition with the altar block, there came to light a curious Pyrami-
gypsum pedestal, one side of which was broken away, but which originally Sumslp
1 See/J. o/M., i, p. 222, Fig. 1G7. "■ Cf. A. E., Myc. Tree ani Pillar, Cult, p. 44, Eg. 25.
pedestal.