Through The Eyes of Hugh Sackett

Bronze Tympanon See all items with this value

This is a bronze shield depicting Zeus surrounded by the Curetes. He is shown in composite perspective with a long beard, wearing a chiton. He has two animals (lions?) in his hands and his left foot is squashing a miniature bull. The Curetes are next to him with their shields (raised above their heads) and ropes in hand. They are also depicted in composite perspective. All of the figures appear Assyrian stylistically. The shield is outlined with bud motifs (rosettes and leaves) calling back to Archaic pottery. See all items with this value

Idaean Cave (historic site) See all items with this value

Artifact

This is a bronze shield found in the Idaean Cave. It was made from bronze in the 8th-7th century BCE. The Curetes were instructed to protect Zeus while his mother Rhea was hiding him in the Idaean cave (supposedly). They were instructed to make lots of noise to hide the babies' cries, which is probably what they are doing here. Zeus is depicted as a grown man who has the strength to conquer nature (in this case animals). Scholars suspect that this shield served as a votive offering to Zeus.

unknown

8th-7th century BCE. Shield. Bronze, bas-relief carving. Place: Archaeological Museum at Heraklion
https://library.artstor.org/#/asset/AWSS35953_35953_31683581;prevRouteTS=1639016069974