Detail View: The AMICA Library: Kriophoros (ram-bearer), Statuette
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AMICA ID:
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CMA_.1998.172
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AMICA Library Year:
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2000
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Object Type:
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Sculpture
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Creator Nationality:
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European; Southern European; Greek
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Creator Name-CRT:
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Greece, Crete, 7th century BC
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Title:
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Kriophoros (ram-bearer), Statuette
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Title Type:
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Primary
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View:
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Full View
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Creation Date:
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2nd half of the 7th century BC
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Creation Start Date:
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-650
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Creation End Date:
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-600
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Materials and Techniques:
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terracotta and polychrome
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Style or Period:
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Greece, Crete, 7th century BC
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Dimensions:
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Overall: 17.5cm x 9.6cm x 8cm
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AMICA Contributor:
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The Cleveland Museum of Art
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Owner Location:
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Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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ID Number:
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1998.172
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Credit Line:
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John L. Severance Fund
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Rights:
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Context:
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In Greek art, the kriophoros is usually a shepherd, or later, Hermes. This terracotta statuette may be unique in presenting a warrior-hero as kriophoros. It is certainly one of the earliest sculptural representations of this type. The figure wears what appears to be a helmet, secured under the chin with a painted strap. Double outlines reinforced at the bottom with incision and adorned with dotted circles in the area of the nipples, were used to suggest breastplates. A thick waist belt, decorated with painted crosshatched lines is clearly the heroic zoster (warrior's belt). As described in the ancient Homeric poetry, the zoster is the ultimate symbol of valor and prowess, worn by such heroes as the brothers Agamemnon and Menelaos, and old king Nestor. This figure is shown in the solemn act of presenting a ram, most likely as a sacrificial offering, to a god or goddess.
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Related Image Identifier Link:
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CMA_.1998.172.tif
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