Rock-crystal rhyton. Exquisite small rhyton (libation vessel) from the Palace of Zakros. The body is carved from a large block of rock crystal and the handle is made of crystal beads threaded on a bronze wire. This unique vessel was restored from hundreds of small fragments. Dated to the MM III-LM IB period (17th-15th centuries B.C.). Inv.no. 2721.

 

 

Rhyton in the shape of a bull''s head. Libation vessel carved from a block of black steatite in the shape of a bull''s head. The details of the head are incised, the eyes are inlaid with rock-crystal and jasper, the muzzle is inlaid with white shell(mother-of -pearl) and the horns, now restored, were made of gilded wood. It is an outstanding example of the skill of the Minoan Lapidaries, found in the Little Palace at Knossos. Dated to the MM III-LM IB period (17th-15th centuries B.C,). Inv.no. 1368

 

 

Gold ring from Isopata. Gold signet ring found in a tomb at Isopata, in the vicinity of Knossos. On the bezel is a representation of women in ecstatic ritual dance, in a meadow with lilies. The smaller figure is considered to be a goddess descending from the sky. On the ground, the signs of an eye and snakes can also be seen. It is a true masterpiece of Minoan goldwork, dated to the LM II period (15th century B.C.)

 

 

THE ''Snake Goddesses". Faience figurines of the so-called "Snake Goddess", from the Palace of Knossos. Typical features of these religious figurines are the upraised of stretched arms wielding the crawling snakes, the thin-waisted bodice which left the breasts bare, and the characteristic, flounced skirt with the apron. They are outstanding specimens of Minoan miniature sculpture, dated to the MM III-LM IA period (17th-16th centuries B.C.). Inv.no.63 and 65.

 

 

 The "Bull-leaping" fresco. Fresco found at the Palace of Knossos, with a representation of the bull-leaping, a kind of contest, probably religious in character, in which both men and women took part. A man is shown jumping over the back of a bull with a female figure on each side. Dated to the MM III-LM IV period (17th-15th centuries B,C,). Inv.no. T 15.