Small jadeitite axe
The circular hole is a later, possibly Bronze Age or ancient Greek, addition. This axe may have served as a votive after its initial utilitarian use in the Stone Age. Such axes were known as thunderstones in ancient Greek times and were believed to be physical manifestations left by the lightning bolts of Zeus, the thunder god.
Artwork Details
- Title: Small jadeitite axe
- Period: Neolithic
- Date: 5th–4th millennium BCE
- Culture: Cretan
- Medium: Steatite, green
- Dimensions: L. 1 3/8 in. (3.49 cm); W. 1 1/4 in. (3.17 cm)
- Classification: Miscellaneous-Stone
- Credit Line: Bequest of Richard B. Seager, 1926
- Object Number: 26.31.501
- Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art
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Cretan
5th–4th millennium BCE
Cretan
5th–4th millennium BCE
Cretan
5th–4th millennium BCE
Cretan
5th–4th millennium BCE
Cretan
5th–4th millennium BCE
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