Flora Unveiled

140 i Flora Unveiled

over economic resources while maintaining domestic tranquility by ensuring that the gen-
eral population was adequately provided for.

The Horns of Consecration

That the palace at Knossos also served as a religious center is evidenced by the many beau-
tifully painted murals portraying ritual activities within the palace– temple complex, as
well as architectural elements and statuary consistent with sacred themes. The Horns of
Consecration motif, reminiscent of the Neolithic bucrania of the Near East, is believed
to be a sacred symbol representing the ritual practice of bull sacrifice. The reconstructed
Grandstand fresco from the Second Palace period at Knossos shows a tripartite pillared
shrine crowned with rows of the double- horn motif (Figure 6.1). However, the focus of
the ceremony is unclear and may have nothing to do with the Horns of Consecration
motif. The priestesses leading the ceremony are shown in white on the center stage. Their
ceremonial garb, portrayal as complete figures, and position beside the shrine are consistent
with their central importance as spiritual leaders. The audience consists of both men (the
dark figures) and a smaller contingent of women (the white figures).^10

Gender and Sacred Trees

Some rituals were performed near sacred trees, as shown in the Sacred Grove fresco from
the West Court in Knossos (Figure 6.2). As in the Grandstand fresco, dancers perform
in multicolored flounced dresses, with their right arms lifted in adoration toward  the

Figure 6.1 Reconstruction of the Grandstand fresco from the Second Palace Period in Knossos.
Note Horns of Consecration on the tops of the tripartite shrine. Women and men are color- coded
white and red, respectively. Priestesses preside over the ceremony on the main stage.
From Herakleion Museum. Photo by Barry D. [email protected].