Close up of Middle Helladic pithoid jar with cross symbols
National Archeological Museum, Athens, GreeceMaterial: Ceramic pottery with painted decoration
Date range: Middle Helladic Period, ca 2000-1550 BC
Origin: Settlement at Korakou, Greece
This large pithoid jar served as a burial vessel containing two infant burials. The surface is decorated with vertical painted bands and a series of circles containing cross symbols.
The cross symbols enclosed within circles are pre-Christian decorative elements dating to the Bronze Age, approximately 3,500-4,000 years old. These crosses appear as intersecting diagonal lines within circular frames, representing geometric patterns that held symbolic or decorative significance in prehistoric Greek culture long before the development of Christian symbolism.
Large storage jars like this were commonly repurposed as burial containers for infants and children in Bronze Age Greece. The careful painted decoration suggests the vessel held ceremonial importance in funerary practices at the Korakou settlement.
Museum label reference: Settlement at Korakou, pithoid jar containing two infant burials. Middle Helladic Period (ca 2000-1550 BC). Bowl (cover of the pithoid jar) CP 302. Pithoid jar CP 303.
Original Text: Οικισμός Κοράκου, πίθος που περιείχε ταφή δύο βρεφών. Μεσοελλαδική Περίοδος (2000-1550 π.Χ. περ.). Φιάλη (σκέπασμα του πίθου) CP 302. Βαρελόσχημος πίθος CP 303.
Supplementary images:
Bronze Age ceramic burial jar decorated with encircled cross motifs from Korakou settlement
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