Bronze bull

Unknown

ca. 1400–1200 BCE or later · Bronze · Greek and Roman Art

The Minoans often deposited small objects of clay, stone, and metal—such as this bronze bull statuette—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. The bull may have served as a substitute for an actual animal sacrifice.

Artist

Unknown

Date

ca. 1400–1200 BCE or later

Medium

Bronze

Culture

Minoan

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Bequest of Richard B. Seager, 1926