SKLAVEROCHORI - 2001

Sklaverochori. G. Rethemiotakis (ΚΓ’ ΕΠΚΑ) reports on the excavations of a peak sanctuary near Kastelli, on a low rocky hill called locally ‘Stou Mamaloukou.’

A circular building (2m in diameter) at the north end of the summit was entered from the southwest. Large quantities of obsidian and Middle Minoan IA pottery were found in and around it. Around the flat square peak, four deposits contained numerous human and animal figurines plus pottery. The largest deposit was on the west side, and the other three were along the south and east. Fragments of mud brick were found in the fills. The figurines and pottery were concentrated in the fissures of rock. Pottery dates the deposition in the west to Middle Minoan IB and the other three to Middle Minoan II. Most of the pottery consisted of cups (conical and carinated), with lekanes, kadoi, amphorae and jars also represented. In Middle Minoan II there were also conical footed cups. The animal figurines almost entirely depicted cattle, some explicitly bulls with genitalia. The small and medium-sized figurines were solid and simple, and the larger hollow and handmade. The largest were over 0.5m tall. There are no Protopalatial parallels for these figures. A hollow male figure 0.9m tall is also noted, again without parallel in a clear Protopalatial deposit. Other human figurines are small: females had tied skirts and males loincloths or more rarely a short dhoti. Heads showed simple hairstyles or hats. One figurine depicts a pregnant woman. There were also terracotta building models (including a two-storey building with a flat roof) and circular periboloi, some with figurines in the interior. Other figurines depict rocks and animals similar to those shown on frescoes and stone vases.