Minoan Larnax I) - Hunting in the Afterworld
This larnax from Armenoi shows a hunter pursuing a deer on its left panel, and a goat and her young on the right panel.
The hunter, wearing a sword and holding a leashed dog at his heel, carries a spear and chases a deer that flees toward an arcade pattern which may represent a forest. A small floating octopus, or argonaut, at the bottom of the composition probably indicates that this event is taking place beyond the water, that is, in the Afterworld.
Therefore , this larnax not only depicts visions of the Afterworld but how the deceased would enjoy himself there, and the hunting is a prime pastime to look forward to.
On the right-hand panel a wild goat and her kid are provided with a flower and argonaut, motifs.
Painted clay larnax
Postpalatial period: LM IIIIA2
About 1370 – 1340 BC
From Armenoi, Crete
Rethymno, Crete, Archaeological Museum
Minoan Larnax I) - Hunting in the Afterworld
This larnax from Armenoi shows a hunter pursuing a deer on its left panel, and a goat and her young on the right panel.
The hunter, wearing a sword and holding a leashed dog at his heel, carries a spear and chases a deer that flees toward an arcade pattern which may represent a forest. A small floating octopus, or argonaut, at the bottom of the composition probably indicates that this event is taking place beyond the water, that is, in the Afterworld.
Therefore , this larnax not only depicts visions of the Afterworld but how the deceased would enjoy himself there, and the hunting is a prime pastime to look forward to.
On the right-hand panel a wild goat and her kid are provided with a flower and argonaut, motifs.
Painted clay larnax
Postpalatial period: LM IIIIA2
About 1370 – 1340 BC
From Armenoi, Crete
Rethymno, Crete, Archaeological Museum