Festin et offrande aux dieux dans les sanctuaires grecs anciens : monumentalisation et miniaturisation dans la poterie

Abstract

Observable trends in well dated pottery contexts from early Greek sanctuaries—Apollo Daphnephoros at Eretria, on Euboia, the Agamemnoneion at Mycenae, the sanctuary of Athena Alea at Tegea, the sanctuary of Artemis at Lousoi, and one at Sane at Pallene (Chalkidiki)—have shown a significant change in cult praxis at the turn of the eighth century BCE. Until then, some offerings dedicated by pilgrims consisted of monumental or normal sized kraters, hydriai, pyxides, some of which—from the Early Archaic period—were partially replaced by masses of miniature pottery. Archaeological data shows that from the early seventh century onwards, potters produced miniature versions of monumental and normal sized vessels, which aristocratic pilgrims had used for feasting and as offerings to the gods during the Late Geometric period (760-700).