Figurine: Demeter
1959.01.0001
Detailed Images
Basic Information
Artifact Identification | Figurine: Demeter (1959.01.0001) |
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Classification/ Nomenclature |
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Artist/Maker | None |
Geographic Location | |
Period/Date | High Classical, 3rd quarter of 5th century BCE |
Culture | Greek |
Physical Analysis
Dimension 1 (Height) | 35.5 cm |
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Dimension 2 (Length) | 10.8 cm |
Dimension 3 (Width) | 9.3 cm |
Weight | 1066 g |
Measuring Remarks | None |
Materials | Ceramic--Terracotta |
Manufacturing Processes | Handbuilding, Firing, Painting |
Munsell Color Information | Moderate Yellowish Pink (5 Y R 7/3.5) -ns White ( 5 Y R 9/0.5) -ns |
Research Remarks
Published Description | Demeter: A terra cotta figurine of the goddess Demeter discovered at Eleusis, near Athens. Eleusis was the home of the Eleusinian Mysteries, which were initiated by Demeter herself. Demeter was treated kindly by the Eleusians during her unhappy search for her abducted daugher Persephone. In gratitude she taught the Eleusians her secret rites. Traces of blue and red paint show the original decoration of the statue. MYSTERY RELIGIONS For centuries before Jesus’ time, Greek and Near Eastern mystery religions competed for the devotion of the masses. With exotic initiations, secret rituals and promises of eternal life, the cults of Mithras, Cybele, and the Eleusinian Demeter shared many characteristics with early Christianity. (1) Devotional statue of Cantes, the divine assistant of Mithras. 22.1.101. (2) Statue of Demeter from Eleusis. 59.1.1. (3) Cymbals used in the rites of Cybele. Replicas. 16.7.7a-b. |
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Description | N/A |
Comparanda | N/A |
Bibliography | Cahn, H. A. Kunstwerke der Antike, Auktion XVIII. (Munzen und Medallien A. G., Basel 1958) No. 58. |
Artifact History
Archaeological Data | The notecard indicates that this artifact was found at the site of Eleusis, 12 km northwest of Athens. The modern day name is unknown (Elosso?) |
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Credit Line/Dedication | N/A |
Reproduction | no |
Reproduction Information | N/A |