DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.3044#0052
CATALOGUE
37
spectively, although there is some deviation from these figures. The seal faces are generally flat
but those of thirteen examples are distinctly convex. Otherwise, the seals of this subclass are
relatively homogeneous in shape. The workmanship is generally good and sometimes very good.
Decoration and dating
The most frequently occurring decoration carved on 4a Buttons is tubular drill ornament,
which is represented on about one third of the examples. Among the other motifs are petaloid
loops, leaves, stars, C-spirals and tectonic ornament. Of these motifs the most securely datable
are tubular drill ornament, which dates principally to MM IB-III , tectonic ornament and cer-
tain kinds of stars. Further evidence for dating comes from the attribution of several 4a But-
tons to style-groups. These groups include the MM IB-II Petaloid/Star and MM II-III Common
Tectonic Groups. Finally, several examples stem from stratified contexts:
CMS III 247 EM II-MM IB Platanos, Tholos A
CMS 112 15
MM II-III
Kamilari, vano /3
23
MM IIB
Phaistos, vano 25
38
MM IIB
Mavro Spelio, Gr. XVHP
50
MM HI
Profitis Ilias, Gr. V
66
MM HI
Profitis Ilias, Gr. IX
149
MM II
Malia Workshop
CMS V 487
late EB with
some early MB
Kea
The dating of CMS III 72 is somewhat problematic as this seal is carved in ivory, a mater'
ial characteristic of the Prepalatial Period, and as it does not carry a motif which is readily data-
ble (Motif 32:8). However, as the seal shape is no different than others of this subclass a dating
in the Old Palatial Period is reasonable. On the basis of stratigraphy, typology and style, 4a But-
tons appear to be in active production from MM IB to MM III.
4b) hard stone
CM 16, 158, 179; CMS 112 6, 31, 203, 246; VII 54; VIII 37, 38; XII 88; CS 110, 115
» total: 13
CMS 112 6
CMS VII 54
CMS VIII 37
CMS XII 88
CS 110
CS 115
Buttons in hard stone are morphologically similar to those in soft
stone and are, as a subclass, more homogeneous in shape. The faces of
4b Buttons are convex except for those of CMS 112 6 and CS 110. These
Buttons average 1.1 and 0.8 cms. respectively in diameter and height
and tend to be smaller than those in soft stone. The stones which oc-
cur most frequently are jasper (six examples) and carnelian (three). The
quality of workmanship is usually very good and occasionally is excel-
lent.
37
spectively, although there is some deviation from these figures. The seal faces are generally flat
but those of thirteen examples are distinctly convex. Otherwise, the seals of this subclass are
relatively homogeneous in shape. The workmanship is generally good and sometimes very good.
Decoration and dating
The most frequently occurring decoration carved on 4a Buttons is tubular drill ornament,
which is represented on about one third of the examples. Among the other motifs are petaloid
loops, leaves, stars, C-spirals and tectonic ornament. Of these motifs the most securely datable
are tubular drill ornament, which dates principally to MM IB-III , tectonic ornament and cer-
tain kinds of stars. Further evidence for dating comes from the attribution of several 4a But-
tons to style-groups. These groups include the MM IB-II Petaloid/Star and MM II-III Common
Tectonic Groups. Finally, several examples stem from stratified contexts:
CMS III 247 EM II-MM IB Platanos, Tholos A
CMS 112 15
MM II-III
Kamilari, vano /3
23
MM IIB
Phaistos, vano 25
38
MM IIB
Mavro Spelio, Gr. XVHP
50
MM HI
Profitis Ilias, Gr. V
66
MM HI
Profitis Ilias, Gr. IX
149
MM II
Malia Workshop
CMS V 487
late EB with
some early MB
Kea
The dating of CMS III 72 is somewhat problematic as this seal is carved in ivory, a mater'
ial characteristic of the Prepalatial Period, and as it does not carry a motif which is readily data-
ble (Motif 32:8). However, as the seal shape is no different than others of this subclass a dating
in the Old Palatial Period is reasonable. On the basis of stratigraphy, typology and style, 4a But-
tons appear to be in active production from MM IB to MM III.
4b) hard stone
CM 16, 158, 179; CMS 112 6, 31, 203, 246; VII 54; VIII 37, 38; XII 88; CS 110, 115
» total: 13
CMS 112 6
CMS VII 54
CMS VIII 37
CMS XII 88
CS 110
CS 115
Buttons in hard stone are morphologically similar to those in soft
stone and are, as a subclass, more homogeneous in shape. The faces of
4b Buttons are convex except for those of CMS 112 6 and CS 110. These
Buttons average 1.1 and 0.8 cms. respectively in diameter and height
and tend to be smaller than those in soft stone. The stones which oc-
cur most frequently are jasper (six examples) and carnelian (three). The
quality of workmanship is usually very good and occasionally is excel-
lent.