Small jadeitite axe

Unknown

5th–4th millennium BCE · Steatite, green · Greek and Roman Art

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.

Artist

Unknown

Date

5th–4th millennium BCE

Medium

Steatite, green

Culture

Cretan

Department

Greek and Roman Art

Credit line

Bequest of Richard B. Seager, 1926