Marble cup

ca. 2000–1900 BCE, possibly later

On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 151

The Minoans often deposited small objects of clay, stone, and metal—such as this miniature marble cup—in sacred places, most notably caves and mountain-peak sanctuaries, as votive dedications to a deity. The practice—a feature of both ancient and modern religions—was based on the belief that one could communicate with the divine through symbolic gifts, either in the hope that the god or goddess would grant a request or as thanks for a favorable outcome.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

References

Title: Marble cup
Period: Middle Minoan I
Date: ca. 2000–1900 BCE, possibly later
Culture: Minoan
Medium: Marble, black-white
Dimensions: H. 15/16 in. (2.3 cm)
Classification: Miscellaneous-Stone Vases
Credit Line: Funds from various donors, 1924
Object Number: 24.150.8
Curatorial Department: Greek and Roman Art

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