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September 5, 2025

A possible new ritual scene from the Mycenaean settlement at Kontopigado, Athens

Key Points

The scene depicts a ritual possibly involving water libations, enhancing our understanding of Mycenaean practices.
Iconography analysis reveals a depiction of a beaked jug, which has cultural significance in libation rituals.
This work provides new insights into religious iconography from the Late Helladic IIIA2 period, aiding historical interpretations.
Engaging with the visual elements on the kylix, the study sheds light on the artistic expressions of the 14th century BC.

Abstract

The study deals with a pictorial scene partially preserved on a kylix of the 14th century BC (Late Helladic IIIA2) from the Mycenaean settlement of Kontopigado, 5 km south of the Athenian Acropolis. The scene includes part of a beaked jug, a vase that in Minoan and Mycenaean religious realm was connected with libations of liquids. Based on an analysis of the iconography of libation jugs, the study tentatively proposes that the scene presents a ritual involving water libations and possibly a rare depiction of a showery cloud, allowing new insights into religious iconography of the 14th century BC.

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