ActaAth-8°, 09: Minoan sacrificial ritual (1986)
ActaAth-8° / 1986-01-01

Published by the Swedish Institute at Athens. Distributed by Astrom Editions. Minoan sacrificial ritual. Cult practice and symbolism By Nanno Marinatos Abstract The cult practice and symbolism of Minoan sacrifice ritual are examined in this monograph. The archaeological evidence is analyzed and suggestions are made concerning the type and place of sacrifice, location of cult meals and species of sacrificial animals. The iconographical evidence supplies additional information about the priesthood, manner of sacrifice and occasions during which animals were slaughtered. Several scenes from glyptic art are discussed where sacrificial ritual is presented as a pictorial metaphor. Certain symbols are isolated and their connection with sacrificial practice is established. Through a projective mechanism, the Minoans expressed not only the importance of animal sacrifice but their perception of it as an extension of the laws of nature. Contents Introduction Part 1. The archaeological and iconographical evidence Types of animals Place of sacrifice; altars Manner of sacrifice Libations Animal rhyta and libation tables Processions Burying and burning the sacrificial animal Cult meals The skull and horns of the sacrificial animal Occasion Symbolic representations Conclusions Part 2. Symbols on seals denoting sacrifice of animals Introduction The eight-shield The sacred garment The impaled triangle Types…