Pylos Jewelry Plaques
National Archeological Museum, Athens, GreeceMaterial: Glasspaste
Date range: 16th-14th centuries BC
Origin: Tholos tombs, Pylos, Greece.
These glasspaste plaques were found in the tholos tombs of Pylos and served as beautiful ornaments for the deceased. In ancient Greek religion, burying the dead with fine jewelry was a way to show respect and provide the spirit with wealth for the afterlife. The rosette and cross-like shapes were common symbols used to decorate sacred items and personal belongings.
Glasspaste was a special material used to create colorful and detailed jewelry that looked like precious stones. Artisans crafted these pieces to be sewn onto garments or strung into necklaces used during religious ceremonies or funerals. By using these symbols, the people of Pylos connected their daily lives and their burial customs to their spiritual beliefs.
The discovery of these plaques in royal tombs shows how much the Mycenaean elite valued artistic expression in their religious practices. Each small plaque was carefully made to honor the gods and the memory of the person who wore them.
Supplementary images:
Glasspaste jewelry plaques from the Pylos tholos tombs
Click here: thesimpleanswers.com/the-true-cross/
