Abstract
The sanctuary of Demeter at Kaunos is one of seven sanctuaries of Demeter in Caria. The rocky outcrops at the sanctuary of Demeter in Kaunos, which were the stages for rituals, were central elements in the celebration of festivals and rituals performed in honour of Demeter at Kaunos. Numerous votives recovered from the cavities of the rocky outcrops were a special form of votive offerings and deposition practiced at this site. The votives consist of clay figurines, miniature pottery, kernoi, coins, and 60 thousand miniature lamps. A special feature of the clay figurines of young and mature men is holes in their hands, which served for the offering of small branches. The present article proposes an interpretation of the rocky outcrops, libation, hydrophoroi, food offerings, kernoi, male figurines holding branches, and lamps used at the rituals of Demeter. The features of the sanctuary of Demeter at Kaunos and its rich votive deposits have the potential to enrich our understanding of the Carian cults of Demeter.
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