The bull identifies with the Minoan World as the distinctive symbol of fertility and strength. It figures prominently in frescoes, signet rings, ritual vessels,and clay figurines, votive offerings to the peak sanctuaries.Its depictions in art denote the inextricable link between the bull and the world of gods through the devoted rituals and highlight its symbolism of political and social power.
The Minoan bull-leaping, a non-violent demonstration of physical strength and bravery performed by skillful athletes who were leaping over the back of a furious bull, is possibly one of the most representative expressions of man's never-ending effort to tame the wildlife.
There is a frequent depiction of the bull in luminous frescoes of bull-leaping (“Taureadorfrescoes”) and bull hunting decorating the palace of Knossos and in sealing rings as well. In addition, the legend of the Minotaur, a ferocious beas twith human body and bull's head that lived in the Labyrinth, reflects the close connection between the bull and the cosmological centre of Minoan Crete, Knossos.
3D puzzle inspired from the famous serpentine rhyton (ritual vase for liquid offerings) in the shape of a bull's head from the Little Palace of Knossos now on display at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
1600-1500 BC.
3D puzzle | wall decor | Product design