Minoan/Mycenaean Source Materials

Fresco – Part of the Procession

Find spot: Crete, Knossos, corridor leading from the West Entrance of the palace to the upper story of the West Wing via the South Propylaeum
Date: ca. 1450-1400 BCE
Clothing depicted: kilt, anklet, armband
Museum link: Archaeological Museum of Heraklion, Crete https://ca.heraklionmuseum.gr/ca/pawtucket/index.php/Detail/objects/393

Part of the Procession Fresco which adorned the walls of the corridor leading from the West Entrance of the palace to the upper storey of the West Wing via the South Propylaeum. Fragments of 24 male and female figures in procession have been found. Some were discovered in situ during the excavation, blackened by the fire that destroyed the palace. Usually the lower part of the fresco is preserved. Based on the direction of walking, it appears that the members of the procession are not all heading the same way. The most prevalent view is that they are moving towards a central female figure, a goddess or a priestess. As is evident from this part of the fresco, at least the male figures are carrying vases made of precious metals and minerals as offering gifts. Arthur Evans, the excavator of the palace, supposed that the whole corridor was covered with hundreds of figures in procession. Regardless of the number of figures and the precise composition of the fresco, it is believed to represent real ceremonial acts that took place in the palace of Knossos.” – From the Heraklion Museum

Other Sources

Wikimedia: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wall_painting_of_cult_procession_from_Knossos_(Corridor_of_Procession)_-_Heraklion_AM_-_02.jpg

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