ii2 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

completely scattered the bones. The most common method was a simple
interment, the body lying in peace until the tomb was opened for the
next burial. Remains of a larnax were found in M. i, and the pithos in
A. 4 must also almost certainly have contained a body. All these forms
of burial are well known throughout Minoan history, and the first two
survive elsewhere into this period.
With regard to the objects found in the tombs, there is one most
important observation to be made. There is a widespread impression—
whether it has appeared in print or not we do not know—that certain
classes of objects, particularly certain shapes of vases, are peculiar to
tombs, while others are peculiar to settlements. In refutation of this it is
possible to say that on this site practically every single type of object found
in the tombs has been found in the settlement, and vice versa. The excep-
tions to the rule, such as kalathoi, which have not yet been found in a
tomb, are clearly pure chance. Even the deep bowls or kraters which are
so confidently claimed as being purely ' settlement furniture ' are found
in the cemetery.
A discussion of the human and animal remains will be given in a
later article.

V. THE OBJECTS.
I. Metal-Work.
Bronze, iron and lead are all represented at Karphi, bronze being
especially plentiful and giving evidence of some skill in workmanship.
The complete absence of the more precious metals is easily explained,
since there is no sign of violent destruction,1 and in the event of a peaceful
desertion the inhabitants would naturally take with them whatever gold
or silver they possessed. The same explanation may apply to the very
small quantity of iron found in the city. Implements of the recently-
introduced metal would obviously be too valuable to be left behind. The
tombs were probably despoiled of most of their original contents at an
early date, and it is possible that later burials gave the occasion for much
of this spoliation.
I. Bronze. A fairly wide range of tools and weapons and a number
of miscellaneous objects were found mainly in the city, whilst small
ornaments were equally distributed between the city and the tombs.
At this date it seems that the fashion in objects of personal adornment was
undergoing a change, due in great part to the introduction of a new style
of dress. Many of the implements, however, are little different from those
of earlier times. All the objects are in remarkably good condition, since
1
See p. 136. It should also be remembered that, from the nature of the circum-
stances, Karphi was not a rich city.
 , EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III. 113

the soil of Karphi, so disastrous in its effect on the painted pottery, seems
to contain properties peculiarly favourable to the preservation of bronze.
Several plain rings were found both in the city and the tombs.
Eight (159, 160, 177, 222, 268, 307, 392, 646) are formed of a narrow band
of bronze with one end pushed through the other and flattened out. The
other seven (161, 308, 367, 481, 505, 554, 679) are of bronze wire. x
Rings
of this type were found in the town and tombs of Vrokastro and at
Kavousi.2
A ring with a somewhat broader band and a plain oval bezel at
right angles to the hoop (439) was found in the City. This is a shape
characteristic of the Sub-Minoan and Proto-Geometric 3
periods4 elsewhere,
and similar rings of gold were found at Mouliana, at Praisos, and in the
Korakovilia tomb at Vrokastro.5
Spiral rings of bronze wire (162, 163, 164, 390) from the tombs are
too small for finger-rings, and may have served as ornaments for the hair.
A drop-pendant (539) from 106, probably an earring, consists of a
small pear-shaped piece of bronze mounted on a split ring.
Metal discs were a favourite ornament at this period and were prob-
ably attached to the clothes. A number of small hollow discs (169) from
M. 8 are each fitted with two clips on the inside for this purpose; from
the position in which they were discovered it seems that they formed
triple or quadruple bands round the border of some garment. Two plain
discs (183, 184) were found in M. 7, and of the four specimens from the
city, one (249) is plain, 6another (252) is decorated with small bosses
around the circumference and the other two (262, 419) are hollow, but
lack the clips on the inside. A disc of this type from Vrokastro 7 has two
holes near the edge to allow8 of its being sewn to the clothing. Such discs
occurred also at Mouliana and at the Diktaian Cave,9 where Hogarth
described them tentatively as ' miniature shields,' but suggested that they
may have belonged to pins or clasps. A more elaborate example in the
form of a golden rosette with thread-holes was found at Praisos.10
The fibula which appeared in the Aegean area towards the end of the
Bronze Age was not common in Crete until the Early Iron Age, when its
appearance at Karphi proves that the inhabitants dressed in a Non-
Minoan style. This style was probably of Northern origin n and may
perhaps be associated with the Achaeans. Both the plate fibula, the
earliest known type,12 and the slightly later bow fibula are represented
1 2
Vrokastro Fig. 70 B.C. and Fig. 87 C.F. AJA 1901 p. 136 Fig. 3.
3 s
E9 Apx- 1904 p. 37 Fig. 8. * BSA VIII p. 248 Fig. 16. Vrokastro Fig. 82.
6
For a larger version of this with a central boss cf. Vrokastro Fig. 58 M.
7 8 9
Op. cit. Fig. 85 N. E<j>. Apx. 1904 p. 45 Fig. 11. BSA VI 109 Fig. 41.
10 u
Ibid. VIII p. 243 Fig. 12. Lamb Greek and Roman Bronzes p. 31.
12
Blinkenberg Fibules Grecques et Orientates, pp. 44-5.
II4 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

here. Two decorated examples of the former (200, 636) come from the
Eastern Block and a small fragment (219) was found in the Great House.
One (200) consists of the spring and part of the leaf-shaped plate with an
incised pattern of dots and herring-bone lines.1 The other (636) has
hook and plate, the latter with a border of small dots. This type occurs
both at Vrokastro 2 and at the Diktaian Cave. 3
The safety-pin variety, where the leaf-shaped plate has disappeared
but has not yet given place to the semi-circular hoop of the bow fibula,
may be regarded as transitional. 4 A single fibula of this type with a
twisted bar (690) was found on Mikre Koprana.
The bow fibula, which Blinkenberg describes 5 as characteristic of
the very early Iron Age, is more usual than the earlier type at Karphi.
Two examples (157, 158) were found with numerous other bronze objects
in M. 8, the largest and richest of the tombs. Two more (175, 176)
came from M. 4 and two fragments (382, 393) from M. 11 and M. 17.
Three other fragments (422, 477, 546) were found in the city. Of these,
two (477, 546) have a twisted hoop. This shape, with a more or less
curved bow, which may be either plain or twisted, seems to have been in
great favour over a wide area 6 and the evidence from Karphi resembles
very closely that from Vrokastro.7 At both sites the early plate fibula is
comparatively rare, whilst the bow fibula is common and was made in
iron 8 as well as in bronze.
Later types, such as the knobbed fibula and the fibula with a large
catch-plate, characteristic of the Proto-Geometric and Geometric periods,9
are not represented at Karphi, either because the city had already been
deserted before they became really common, or because they were
sufficiently new at that time to have been removed with the rest of the
owner's more necessary and valuable possessions.10
Long bronze pins were also used for fastening the dress at this period,11
1
For the dot pattern op. cit. Fig. 20 I 8 b and Fig. 21 I 8 a; for the herring-bone
lines op. cit. Fig. 1 9 1 8 a.
2
Vrokastro p. 113 and PI. X I X A.
3
BSA VI p. i n , and Blinkenberg Fig. 22 I 8 g.
4
Blinkenberg p. 46. For an LM III parallel to 690 cf. Blegen Korakou Fig. 133, 6.
5
Blinkenberg p. 58, where it is classified as Sub-Mycenean.
6
For fibulae of this type from the Mainland, the Islands, Italy and the Caucasus cf.
Vrokastro p. 148.
7
Only two examples of the plate fibula were found there. Op. cit. pp. 99 and 113
and PI. X I X A and B, whilst the bow fibula was common. Op. cit. PI. X I X C, D, E, F
and Fig. 87 B, I, J. The latter occurs also at Kavousi, AJA 1901 p. 136 Fig. 2.
8
See p. 121, note 2.
9
Lamb Greek and Roman Bronzes, pp. 47-8; both types are known at Vrokastro.
Vrokastro PI. XX.
10
It may be noted that a knobbed fibula was found in the Geometric Tomb on the
n
Papoura. Thiersch Aegina pp. 404-10.
 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III. 115

perhaps as an alternative to the more elaborate fibula. The majority of

these are plain rounded pins tapering to a point, though a single example
(218) is rectangular in section. Three (378, 379, 380) from M. 9 are plain
with a marked swelling at one end, an earlier and simpler form, perhaps,
of the pin with knobs and grooves.1 Another of this type (381) comes
from M. 10. Four shorter pins with hooked tops (471, 503 a and b, 565)
were found in the city and can be paralleled from the Temenos deposit at
the Diktaian Cave.2 This type continued in use until the Archaic
period.3
A single example from the city (305) has an eye in the slightly
widened head, as well as a tapering point, and may be described as a
needle. Another needle, with the eye well below the head (171) where
the shaft is considerably widened, may perhaps be a later and more
developed form 4 of 305.
A disc-headed pin with small ridges below the disc (394) was found
with the Archaic pottery and figurines at Vitzelovrysis (p. 100) and no
doubt belongs to the same period. This form may have been derived
from the earlier knobbed pins. A few specimens were found in the
Diktaian Cave. 5
Seven stylus-shaped rods, all from the city, resemble the longer pins,
save that they are not pointed and therefore cannot have been used for
fastening the clothes. The majority (499, 551, 564, 574, 589) have a
swelling at one end like 378-81, whilst one (495) is rectangular in section
and another (522) is short and thick. Two more rods were found in the
tombs, one (166) from M. 8 has a curved and flattened end and two
fragments of another (182 a and b) from M. 3 suggest a rod of considerable
length with a swelling at one end. The purpose of these implements is
uncertain.
Small awls are pointed at one end and either rounded with a flat
tang (276) or cylindrical bone handle 6 (251), or else rectangular (258,
420) with a small tang. One of these (258) is curved like a sickle.
Saws have little teeth along one edge. One example (215) is curved
and a fragment of another (237) is oblong in shape, resembling a bronze
saw from Mouliana. 7
There are two small chisels (216, 411), both rectangular, with a wide
flattened end. In both cases only the blade remains.
One very well-made tool (670) is circular in section and seems, by
1
Vrokastro p. 144 for a parallel to 378-80 cf. Fig. 87 K.
2
BSA VI Fig. 45 no. 3 in lower row.
2
A close parallel occurs in an Archaic tomb on Thera. Thera II Fig. 490 a.
4
Both these needles have counterparts in the Diktaian Gave, BSA VI Fig. 45, 4 and 5
5
in lower row. Op. cit. Fig. 45 nos. 1-5 in top row.
6 7
See p. 128 for a similar handle. E<p. Apx. 1904 pp. 29-30 Fig. 7.
 n6 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

reason of the flat diamond-shaped blade, to have been used as an engraver.

Above the blade, where the handle begins to thicken, there is a pattern of
parallel chevrons enclosed by rings.
Another remarkable tool, likewise extremely well-preserved, is a large
adze with a flattened blade (455) and two knobs where the handle first
widens out towards it. Here a simple incised linear pattern decorates the
top of the blade.
Tweezers (306, 456), made from a flat piece of bronze doubled over
and pressed together below the head, were still in use and seem to have
changed little from the time of their earliest appearance.1
The razor, another very ordinary implement, is represented by a single
example (510) with a short thin blade and a very long handle. A rather
similar razor with 2a curved handle was found in the Temenos deposit at
the Diktaian Cave.
Several knives of varying shapes were found in the city. The
ordinary single-edged type are for the most part fragmentary, but the
only two whole specimens (518, 548) have a long tang with three rivet-
holes for attaching a handle of wood or bone.3 518 is a particularly 4
fine
example. Knives of similar shape are common at this period. Five
other knives have curved blades 5 less tapered than the blade of 518. One
of these (267) has a tang with two rivet-holes, another (448) is a ' cutting-
out knife ' with a similar tang, a third (450) consists only of the blade,
and the other two (497, 508) have each two rivet-holes near the top of
the blade.
Small knives with a fine tapering blade have twisted handles bent
over to form a hook at the top. One (540) is very much curved, another
(645) has a long handle and a small blade, whilst the blade of the third
(687) is leaf-shaped. Like the razor they may have been connected with
the toilet, since the blades are almost too fine for any other use.
Sickles are on the whole larger and more curved than the knives.6
The two examples from Karphi (213, 232) have a single rivet-hole near
the top of the blade, showing where the handle was attached.
Daggers differ slightly from the knives and sickles, being double-
edged and intended for thrusting rather than cutting. One (214) with a
tapering blade has traces of a rivet-hole where the tang is broken. A
1
Tweezers of this type appear first in the Early Bronze Age. Goldman Eutresis
Fig. 286, 3 and Blegen ZyS0UT^es PI- XX 19. They were still in use at Karphi and in the
Diktaian
2
Gave BSA VI p. 111 Fig. 45 No. 1 in lower row.
3
BSA VI p. i n Fig. 45 No. 6 in lower row.
4
For bone handles of knives, etc., see p. 128.
At Vrokastro. Vrokastro PI. XXI A is of iron and the Diktaian Gave. BSA VI
p. n6o Fig. 43 No. 2 of bronze.
6
Vrokastro PI. XXI I for a parallel.
Blegen gygouries Fig. 190, 2 shows a sickle of this type not unlike 213.
 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III. 117

fragment consisting of the hilt and flanges of a larger dagger (250) has
three bronze nails in the hilt and two holes for similar nails in the flanges.
This shape is associated with both daggers and swords 1 and must originally
have had a hilt of bone or wood. A third fragment (358) belongs to the
tang of a small dagger with two rivet-holes.
Part of a very fine bronze sword of considerable size (500) from the
centre of the blade has the plain slightly curving surface which is charac-
teristic of the period.2
A leaf-shaped spear-head with prominent midrib (550) ends in a
small rectangular tang evidently intended for insertion into a wooden
shaft and affords further proof of the survival of early forms. The later
method, by which the end of the 3blade becomes a socket to receive the4
shaft, though common at Vrokastro, is altogether unknown here. Hogarth
describes the spear-head with a socket as an improvement on the spear-
head with a flat tang nailed to the shaft, which he regards as characteristic
of the Late Bronze Age. The rectangular tang of 550 may, however, have
a still earlier origin.5
The three arrow-heads (454, 552, 672) are made on the same principle
with rectangular tang, midrib, and6pointed barbs. In shape they recall
the flint and obsidian arrow-heads which they supplanted when metal
became more plentiful and its use more widespread.
Besides the small bronze nails from the hilts of swords or daggers, a
larger type of nail was also in use. Two of these (217, 653) are rect-
angular with a plain flat head, but the hollow round head of a third (673)
shows that they were sometimes intended for ornamental purposes, perhaps
to decorate the more elaborate household furniture.
For fine metal-work, and in particular for bronze vases, small rivets
were used. A single such rivet (238) consists of a short bar with the two
ends bent in at right angles for insertion into the holes. This shape is an
improvement on the clumsy double rivet of lead used in repairing pottery
at an earlier date.7
Though bronze vessels, especially tripods, were not uncommon at this
period, only a few fragments were found at Karphi. These include an
octagonal leg (638) which may have belonged to a metal equivalent of the
ordinary clay tripod.8 At any rate the short solid leg recalls the early
1
At Mouliana Eq>. Apx- 1904 pp. 29-30 Fig. 7 and at the Diktaian Cave BSA VI p .
l 22
n o Fig.
g- 43,
43> 5.
5- E<p. Apx. 1904 pp. 29-30 Fig. 7. Vrokastro PI. X X I E.
3
Vrokastro Fig. 59. * BSA VI p.p. n o .
5
A rather similar spear-head was found at Phylakopi. Phylakopi PI. XXXVIII 6.
There is a contemporary example from Knossos Prehistoric Tombs at Knossos Figs. 56, 57.
• For an obsidian arrow-head with very pointed barbs of LM date cf. Goldman
Eutresis
8
Fig. 280, 13. f Phylakopi PI. X L 21.
It should be noted that type 5 in the pottery corpus seems to be derived from a metal
prototype.
n8 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

type of bronze tripod, where the legs adjoin the body, rather than the
more elegant Geometric type with graceful and decorative legs adjoining
the rim.1 Three other fragments of bronze vases belong, one (278) to a
shallow bowl, another (509) to a 2rim and a third (572) to part of a bowl
with the small rivets still in place.
Inconsiderable as these fragments are, a very fine plaque (475) illus-
trates the heights to which the coppersmith's art could rise. It is oblong
in shape and may have been used to decorate some wooden object. The
pattern, which is very carefully incised, is divided into two rows of three
panels each, the panels separated by groups of fine lines and the rows by
a hatched band. Thefirstand second pairs of panels have a simple linear
design filled in with dots, the third and longest, a series of running spirals
fringed with dots. That 3such detailed work was possible before the end
of the Geometric period is further proved by a plate fibula from the
Diktaian Gave which can hardly be later in date than the Intermediate
Period and which Blinkenberg describes as Post-Mycenean but neverthe-
less of very early date in view of the construction of the spring.4 The
elaborate design of lines and dots both on this fibula and on 475 can be
compared to the ' fringed' patterns on the painted pottery.
Finally there are the two votive double-axes. These were found with
a number of other cult-objects, the larger (248) in K. 26, the smaller (555)
in K. 106. Both are too small to have been anything but votive-offerings
and they provide further evidence for the survival of the Minoan cult at
Karphi. 248 is of a curious shape, the two blades narrowing considerably
to the centre, which is a small knob. This is undoubtedly a late, perhaps
the latest, type of the traditional emblem, and corresponds to the con-
ventionalised double-axe as it sometimes appears on painted pottery of
the period.5 555 is a more usual form, of very6 thin bronze, with the
curved blades of the Late Minoan double-axe. The arrangement for
attaching the axe to the shaft by means of two slots is a new feature.
Besides the above-mentioned objects there are many small fragments
of bronze from nearly every room in the city.7 A detailed description of
all the objects included in the catalogue will be found in the sections
dealing with the city and the tombs.
1
Lamb Greek and Roman Bronzes, p. 45. For the older type of bronze tripod and
tripod legs not unlike 638 cf. Gournia PI. IV 71-2. BCH 1931 p. 378 Fig. 16. For the
later Geometric type cf. Vrokastro PI. XXIV.
2
Annuario X - X I I p. 343 Fig. 445 and p. 475 Fig. 590 c for similar vases and
fragments.
3
For elaborate designs on the catch-plate of Geometric fibulae cf. Lamb Greek and
Roman Bronzes, pp. 47-9.
4
Blinkenberg Fibules Grecques et Orientales Fig. 22 I 8 p.
5
Hall Vrokastro Fig. 98.
6 7
BSA VI p . 109 and Fig. 40. See section I I I passim.
 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.
Rings.
M. 8. 268. K. 29. 505. K. 85.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) (PI. XXIX, 2.) (PI. XXIX, 2.)
160. M. 8. 307. K. 38. 554. K. 106.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) (PI. XXIX, 2.) (PI. XXIX, 2.)
161. M. 8. 308. K. 38. 646. K. 127.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) 367. K. 9. (PI. XXIX, 2.)
177. M. 4. 392. M. 17. 679. K. 18.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) (PI. XXVIII, 3.) (PI. X X I X , 2.)
222. K. 12. 481. K. 82.
(PI. XXIX, 2.)
Finger-Ring.
439. K. 68. (PI. XXIX, 2.)
Spiral Hair-rings.
162. M. 8. 164. M. 8. 390. M. 13.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) (PI. XXVIII, 1.) (PI. XXVIII, 3.)
163. M. 8.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.)
Earring.
539. K. 106. (PI. X X I X , 1.)

Discs.
169. M. 8. 184. M. 7. 252. K. 26.
183. M. 7. (PI. XXVIII, 1.) 265. K. 29. (PI. XXIX, 1.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) 249. K. 26. 419. K. 62. (PI. XXIX, 1.
Fibulae.
157. M. 8. 200. Slopes of Mikre 422. K. 63. (PI. XXIX, 2.)
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) Koprana (bought). 474. K. 81. (PI. XXIX, 2.)
158. M. 8. (PI. XXIX, 2.) 546. K. 108.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) 219. K. 12. (PI. XXIX, 2.)
175. M. 4. 382. M. 11. 636. K. 136.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) (PI. XXVIII, 3.) (PI. XXIX, 2.)
176. M. 4. 393. M. 17. 690. K. 147.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) (PI. XXVIII, 3.) (PI. XXIX, 2.)

Pins and Needles.

100. M. 1. 379. M. 9. 471. Surface of K. 91.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) (PI. XXVIII, 3.) (PI. XXIX, 2.)
171. M. 4. 380. M. 9. 503 a and b. K. 79.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) (PI. XXVIII, 3.) (PI. XXIX, 2.)
207. K. 3. 381. M. 10. 565. K. 109.
218. K. 12. (PI. XXVIII, 3.) (PI. XXIX, 2.)
305. K. 36. 388. M. 13. 593. K. 122.
378. M. 9. (PL XXVIII, 3.) 594. K. 122.
(PI. XXVIII, 3.) 389. M. 13.
(PL XXVIII, 3.)
120 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

Later Pin.
394. Vitzelovrysis Sanctuary.
Stylus-shaped Rods.
495. K. 77. 551. K. 115. 574. K. 104.
499. K. 78. 564. K. 109. 589. K. 124.
522. K. 67.
Miscellaneous Rods.
166. M. 8. 182 a and b. M. 3.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) (PI. XXVIII, 1.)
Awls.
236. K. 17. (PI. XXIX, 1.) 258. K. 40. (PI. XXIX, 1.) 420. K. 62.
251. K. 26. (PI. XXIX, i.)
Saws.
215. K. 12. 237. K. 17.
Chisels.
216. K. 12. 411. K. 55.
(PI. XXVIII, 2.) (PI. XXVIII, 2.)
Engraver.
670. K. Peak Sanctuary.
(PI. XXIX, 1.)
Adze.
455. K. 76. (PI. XXIX, 2.)
Tweezers.
306. K. 38. (PI. XXIX, 2.) 456. K. 76. (PI. XXIX, 1.)
Razor.
510. K. 32. (PI. XXVIII, 2.)
Single-edged Knives.
197. K. 148. 525. K. n o . 654. K. 137.
230. K. 17. 548. K. 112. 669. K. Peak Sanctuary.
298. K. 31. (PI. XXVIII, 2.) 671. K. Peak Sanctuary.
518. K. 97. 598. K. 121.
(PI. XXVIII, 2.)
Curved Knives.
267. K. 29. 450. K. 72. 508. K. 32.
448. K. 69. (PI. XXVIII, 2.) (PI. XXVIII, 2.)
(PI. XXVIII, 2.) 497. K. 88.
(PI. XXVIII, 2.)
Knives with Twisted Handles.
540. K. 106. 645. K. 127. 687. K. 147.
(PI. XXVIII, 2.) (PI. XXVIII, 2.) (PI. XXVIII, 2.)
 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III. 121
Sickles.
213. K. 12. 232. K. 17.
(PI. XXVIII, 2.) (PL XXVIII, 2.)
Daggers.
214. K. 12. 250. K. 26. 358. K. 54.
(PI. XXVIII, 2.) (PL XXIX, 1.)
Sword.
500. K. 96. (PL XXIX, 2.)
Spear-head.
550. K. 114. (PL XXIX, 1.)
Arrow-heads.
454. K. 75. (PL XXIX, 1.) 672. K. Peak Sanctuary.
552. K. 115. (PL XXIX, 1.) (PL XXIX, 1.)
Nails.
217. K. 12. 673. K. Peak Sanctuary.
653. K. 127. (PL XXIX, 1.) (PL XXIX, 1.)
Rivets.
238. K. 17-
Tripod Leg.
638. K.,137. (PL XXIX, 2.)
Vases.
278. K. 23. Floor. 5°9- K. 32. 578. K. 108.
Plaque. .
475- K. 81. (PL XXIX, 1.)
Double Axes.
J

248. K. 26. (PL XXIX, 1.) 555- K. 106. (PL XXIX, 1.)
II. Iron. Iron was certainly known to the inhabitants of Karphi,
though the scarcity of this metal in the City is natural, as tools and weapons
would be among the objects removed when the site was abandoned. Only
in the Tombs a few larger fragments remained. This situation presents a
marked contrast to the prevalence of iron in the town and tombs of
Vrokastro, which survived into the Geometric period.
Two pieces of a rectangular
1
iron nail (178) were found in M. 4, whilst
fragments of a blade (383) and two more (384) belonging to a bow
fibula 2 come from M. 11. The City produced only two small fragments
1
This blade probably belonged to a small knife of the type of 448 or 518. Cf.
Vrokastro
2
PL XXI A-I for iron knives from Vrokastro.
Op. cit. PL XIX D for an iron fibula of similar type.
122 EXCAVATIONS IN T H E PLAIN OF LASITHI. I I I.

(449, 498) from K. 69 and K. 88. Two objects, probably of later date,
were found in the earth outside M. 8. One (167) is the top of a needle
with a large eye. Here the flat surface is pierced near the head without
being widened like the bronze needles 171 and 305. The other (168) is
part of the curved iron handle of a small implement, perhaps a knife or a
sickle. It seems possible that these may belong to a considerably later
period when the Vitzelovrysis Sanctuary was an object of local pilgrimage.
178. M. 4. 384. M. 11. . 449. K. 69.
(PI. XXVIII, 1.) (PI. XXVIII, 3.) 498. K. 88.
383. M. 11.
(PI. XXVIII, 3.)
Later Objects.
167. M. 8. Outside. 168. M. 8. Outside.

III. Lead. This metal is found in small quantities at the majority of

prehistoric sites in the Aegean area. Here it is represented by a single
object, a small ferrule (372) from M. 11 which may have belonged to a
staff with a wooden shaft, and by four fragments, too small for identifica-
tion, from the city.
372. M. 11.
Fragments.
221. K. 12. 667. K. Peak Sanctuary. 668. K. Peak Sanctuary.
647. K. 127.
2. Stone-Work.
Fine stone-work was comparatively rare at this period and, though
stone vases were still made by the inhabitants of Karphi, the best speci-
mens should be assigned to a date long before the foundation of the city.
The more ordinary stone implements, particularly such objects of daily
domestic use as pounders and whetstones, were found in almost every room
but were absent, as might be expected, from the Tombs.
I. Stone Vases. Several of these are very similar both in material and
shape to the EM III and MM I vases from the Cave of Trapeza. Either
they were family heirlooms of considerable antiquity, brought to Karphi
when their owners took to the hills, or else they must have been among
the finds of an early looting expedition, possibly to the Cave itself.
One fragment (580) belonged to an open-spouted bowl of the type
which occurs at Trapeza 1 2 and is known both at Mokhlos and in the
Messara in EM II-EM III. This specimen can be dated to EM III by
the material, a soft brownish steatite.3
1
BSA XXXVI p. n o Fig. 23, 17.
2
Mochlos Fig. 18 IV 4 and 5; VTM PI. XXII 726 and PI. XXXVIII 1080, 1084.
3
Mochlos p . 101.
 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III. 123

A grey-speckled steatite bowl (185) of the ' mustard-pot' type with a

distinct base and slightly offset lip, has1 the curving profile unknown before
MM I when2 it is found at Trapeza and, with variations, in East and
South Crete.
Two fragments of the same stone belong, one (209) to a cup with a
vertical strap-handle, a shape which appears in an EM III-MM I context
in the Messara,3 the other (441) to a small carinated bowl with a plain
base.
A carinated bowl of grey steatite (530) with a plain base and sloping
rim contained a single obsidian blade. With this was found 4 a knobbed
lid of the same material. Both bowl and lid are characteristic of MM I,
and there are very close parallels from Mokhlos 5 and Arvi,6 whilst a
similar lid is associated with a bowl resembling 185 from Trapeza.7
Another familiar MM I shape is represented by the base of a straight-
sided cup of black steatite (533). Cups of this type with8 quite straight
or very slightly
9
curved sides occurred both at Trapeza and on the
Kastellos and are common wherever stone vases of this date are
found.10
There is also a fragment of grey steatite (634) belonging to a carinated
bowl of the type of 441 and 530, as well as another small knobbed lid
(683) exactly similar to the lid of 530.
Besides these survivals from an earlier period there are a few vases
and lids which appear to be of contemporary date. An unfinished bowl
of black limestone (127) shows how a small central hole was drilled into
the solid lump of stone. There is also a fragment of a round bowl of grey
steatite (299) which illustrates the result of this method and provides a
striking example of the thick walls and small aperture characteristic of
Cretan stone-cutting in its decadence.11 An open bowl of black steatite
(600) with a straight base and a single groove below the rim also belongs
to the Intermediate Period,12 though the walls are not as thick as those of
299. Here the irregular undefined shape is in marked contrast to the
careful technique and elaborate forms of the Early and Middle Minoan
stone-work.
Half a large knobbed lid of grey steatite (372) is so much like the
1
BSA XXXVI p. 112 Fig. 24, 21.
2
Mochlos Fig. 28 'XI 2 and Evans Ag. Onuphrios Deposit Fig. 109 and to a less extent
Figs, n o and 119.
3
VTM PI. X X X I X 1064 and PI. LIV 1884.
4 5
Mochlos pp. 38-9. Op. cit. Fig. 28 X I 10.
6
Evans Ag. Onuphrios Deposit Fig. 117 for a parallel from Arvi.
7
BSA XXXVI p. 112 Fig. 24, 21 a and also at Arvi. Evans op. cit. Fig. 109.
8 9
BSA XXXVI p. 42 Fig. 24, 23. See p. 49.
10 u
Mochlos Fig. 32 X X 3 ; VTM PI. X X I X 1062. Vrokastro p. 114.
12
A somewhat similar bowl from the late deposit at the Diktaian Cave is described
in BSA VI p. 114.
124 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

clay lids of the period x that it must be contemporary with them, whilst
another lid (621) is a simple circular disc of grey speckled steatite (621).
Further, there are a number of roughly-cut discs of" steatite or schist, for2
the most part singly or doubly pierced, which probably served as lids
for small clay vessels and could be affixed by means of a string threaded
through the holes.
Early Minoan III.
580. K. 124. (PI. XXX, 1.)
Middle Minoan I.
185. K. 149. (PI. XXX, 1.) 530. K. n o . (PI. XXX, 1.) 634. K. 136.
209. K. 6. (PI. XXX, 1.) 533. K. 79. 683. K. 147.
441. K. 69.
Intermediate Period.
127. Bought. 600. K. 70. (PI. XXX, 1.) 621. K. 132. (PL XXX, 4.)
299. K. 31. 377. K. 149.
Discs Used as Lids. Intermediate Period.
273. K. 39. (PI. XXX, 4.) 582. K. 124. 651. K. 124.
304. K. 34. (PI. XXX, 4.) 608. K. 106. 656. K. 141.
512. K. 85. 612. K. 118. 680. K. 143.
532. K. n o . (P1.XXX,4.) 649. K. 121. 686. K. 147.
581. K. 124.

II. Stone Implements. A considerable number of stone tools were found

in the City. The most common are large limestone pounders or rubbers,
many of which are merely unworked stones of suitable shape. One curious
pounder (440) is somewhat like a modern flat-iron and both hour-glass
shaped (339, 579) and four-sided (112, 610) examples are known, though
by far the majority are ordinary round stones.
Three cylindrical limestone pestles (122, 426, 434) are of a type
adapted for use in a small mortar and one flat piece of limestone (128)
probably belonged to an oblong palette, not unlike the earlier palettes
from the Messara in shape.3
Several small objects of slate, long, narrow and generally pierced at
one end, 4may have served as whetstones. These can be paralleled at
Vrokastro and5 are reminiscent of similar implements from the Early
Minoan period. They were probably suspended round the neck so as to
be easily available, for small bronze knives must have needed constant
sharpening.
1 2
Type 1 in the pottery corpus. Vrokastro p . 139.
3
VTM PI. XXI 1035. For a clay palette of similar shape see p. 131.
* Hall Vrokastro Fig. 70 H and Fig. 87 A.
5
Similar whetstones were found in the Messara, VTM PI. XXIII 787-8. The
resemblance to 529 is especially marked.
 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

A single fragment of a pointed steatite tool (223) may perhaps have

formed part of a small stone adze or chisel.
Finally there are eleven stone axes, both the short type with a straight
edge (284, 285, 286, 292, 297, 464, 466) and the longer and more curved
type (288, 465, 567, 629). These are usually associated with the Neolithic
period x but seem to have continued in use throughout the Bronze Age.2
Pounders and Rubbers.
in. K. 1. 339. K. 44. 575. K. 107. (PI. XXX, 3.)
112. K. 1. 368. K. 17. 579. K. 124.
113. K. 1. 440. K. 69. (PI. XXX, 1.) 607. K. 116.
114. K. 1. 528. K. n o . 610. K. 100. (PI. XXX, 1.)

Pestles.
122. Bought. 426. K. 70. (PI. XXX 1.) 434. Surface. K. 66-68.

Palette.
128. Bought.

Whetstones.
195. K. 148. (PI. XXX, 3.) 604. K. 113. 630. K . i 20. (PI. XXX, 3.)
354. K. 48. (PI. XXX, 3.) 614. K. 89. 648. K. 127. (PI. XXX, 3.)
360. K. 55. (PI. XXX, 3.) 615. K. 7. (PI. XXX, 3.) 655. K. 137.
519. K. 97. 623. K. 132. 674. K. Peak Sanctuary.
529. K. no. (PI. XXX,3.) 627. K. 116. (PI. XXX, 3.) 697. K. 150. (PI. XXX, 3.)
595. K. 121.
Pointed Instrument.
223. K. 14.

Neolithic Stone Axes.

284. Floor deposit of K. 23. 288. K. 24. (PI. XXX, 2.) 465. K. 90. (PI. XXX, 2.)
(PI. XXX, 2.) 292. K. 29. (PI. XXX, 2.) 466. K. 90. (PI. XXX, 2.)
285. Floor deposit of K. 23. 297. K. 31. (PI. XXX, 2.) 567. K. 109.
(PI. XXX, 2.) 464. K. 81. (PI. XXX, 2.) 629. K. 120. (PI. XXX, 2.)
286. Floor deposit of K. 23.
(PI. XXX, 2.)

III. Miscellaneous Objects of Stone. The purpose for which many of

these were intended remains uncertain. Conical objects of haematite,
limestone and steatite (256, 261, 591) may have been used as weights.
Small plaques and discs with one or two thread-holes were probably
pendants of the type found at Vrokastro 3 and Emparos.4 Two are square
1
Po/M Fig. 15 a 1, 2, 3.
2
Gournia p . 31. Celts of the type of 465, in particular, are common to all periods.
Long celts resembling this example correspond to Wace and Thompson's type A, Prehistoric
3 4
Thessaly p . 24. Vrokastro Fig. 23. AJA 1901 p. 282 Fig. 8.
 126 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

plaques, doubly pierced, the one (196) of steatite with roughly-incised

linear markings, the other (260) of mother-of-pearl. The rest (188, 272,
344) are round discs of limestone, slate and steatite, singly pierced.
Three large discs are best described as spools. One of these (458) is
unpierced. Of the other two (438, 541), which are both pierced, 438—a
green steatite disc—is inscribed on one side with roughly-cut linear signs
which suggest a debased form of the Minoan script. A rather similar
inscribed steatite object of triangular shape with a single vertical thread-hole
is known to come from Central Crete. 1 Here the linear signs on one face 2
bear a certain resemblance to those on 438. If, therefore, the two objects
are contemporary, they may perhaps illustrate the final and degenerate
form of the Minoan lettering, carelessly cut by an unskilled hand. The
same explanation 3 may also apply to the markings on the stone pendant
196.
If this is so, then these examples must represent a stage before the
introduction of the new Greek script, when the Minoan characters had
lost much of their original significance and it may be doubted whether
the engraver had any clear idea of their meaning. Perhaps they were
merely used for decorative or talismanic purposes and appealed to a more
or less illiterate people by reason of their traditional associations.4
Among the various fragments of stone found at Karphi, two semi-
circular pieces of steatite (254, 459) have a certain resemblance to Egyptian
inlays, but there is no direct evidence for decoration of this sort in any of
the rooms of the City.
Weights.
256. K. 40. (PI. X X X , 1.) 261. K. 41. 591. K. 122.
Pendants.
188. K. 148. 260. K. 40. (PI. XXX, 4.) 344. K. 49. (PI. XXX, 4.)
196. K. 148. (PI. X X X , 4.) 272. K. 39. (PI. XXX, 4.)
Spools.
438. K. 68. (PI. X X X , 4.) 458. K. 80. (PI. XXX, 4.) 541. K. 100.
1
Cretan Pictographs pp. 16—17 Figs. 17a and b. This was described as having been
found on the Papoura. It is in fact highly probable that it came from Karphi itself.
2
Op. cit. Fig. 17 a.
3
Rather similar characters on a pendant from Arvi op. cit. p. 16 can be identified as
a form of the letter derived from the bull's-head sign. The linear markings on 196 might
perhaps be related to the four-pointed character derived from a human hand. Nos. 6 and
9 respectively in the table of linear signs, P of M III.
4
At this period the old script may have survived only as a memory. A rather
similar state of affairs seems to be reflected in the Iliad where the aTiucrra Auypd carried by
Bellerophon Iliad 6, 168, suggest an acquaintance with the art of writing without any
real knowledge of it.
 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III. 127

Fragments of Stone.
211. K. 11. 386. M. n . 436. K. 57.
254. K. 26. (PI. XXX, 3). 435. K. 67. 459. K. 80. (PI. XXX, 3.)
269. K. 29.
IV. Obsidian. The increasing use of sharp-edged metal tools and
weapons must account for the scarcity of obsidian at this period. The
whole site yielded only two blades (205, 531), one of which (531) was
found inside a stone bowl of MM I date, 1 one small core (432) and a
triangular chip (309). This is all of the black Melian variety, but it is
clear that the obsidian trade cannot have survived much longer.
205. Outside K. 1. 432. K. 75. 531. K. n o . (PI. XXX, 1.)
309. K. 38.

3. Bone.
A number of bone objects were found in the city and the tombs.
All are in fairly good condition.
I. Pins. These are for the most part fragmentary. One (371) from
K. 7 is pointed at both ends, but the majority have a single point and a
decorated head. This decoration generally takes the form of four incised
rings (585, 660, 662, 663), or else of two or three carved knobs (476, 483,
521, 576). Pins with very similar decorated heads were found in the
Temenos deposit at the Diktaian Cave,2 but the technique is of much
earlier origin and first became usual at the beginning of the Middle
Bronze Age. 3
266. K. 29. 521. K. 67. 588. K. 124.
371. K. 7. (PI. X X V I I I , 4.) (PI. X X V I I I , 4.)
476. K. 81. 562. K. 109. 603. K. 120.
(PI. XXVIII, 4.) 566. K. 109. (PI. XXVIII, 4.)
477. K. 81. 576. K. 108. 660. K. 143.
478. K. 82. (PI. XXVIII, 4.) (PI. XXVIII, 4.)
483- K. 83. 585. K. 124. 661. K. 143.
(PI. X X V I I I, 4.) (PI. X X V I I I , 4.) (PI. XXVIII, 4.)
486. K. 75. 586. K. 124. 662. K. 143.
490. K. 76. (PI. XXVIII, 4.) (PI. XXVIII, 4.)
(PI. XXVIII, 4.) 587. K. 124. 663. K. 143.
494. K. 77. (PI. XXVIII, 4.) (PI. XXVIII, 4.)
(PI. X X V I I I , 4.) 664. K. 143.
II. Miscellaneous Tools and Objects. There are a few small bone objects
the use of which is not clearly apparent. These include a small fragment
(105) from M. 2, a flat piece of bone (349) and a worked lump (678).
1 2
530 see p. 123. BSA VI p. 113 Fig. 48.
3
Goldman Eutresis Fig. 284, 10; Blegen Korakou Fig. 130.
 128 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

Three fragmentary pointed implements (352, 542, 543) resemble the bone
awls or punchers which are common at most sites from the beginning of
the Bronze Age.1
105. M. 2. 352. K. 52. 543. K. 100.
349. K. 8-18. 542. K. 100. (PI. XXVIII, 4.)
III. Lids. Two circular bone discs (289, 535), both pierced, were
probably used as lids for small clay vessels like their stone counterparts.2
289. K. 23. Floor. 535. K. 83.

IV. Handles. The handles of small bronze tools were frequently made
of wood,3 and have therefore for the most part perished. Sometimes,
however, bone seems to have been used for the same purpose and a few
small bone handles were found in the city.
One (312), probably the pommel of a knife, is oblong in shape taper-
ing to the hilt, where there are two holes for the bronze nails. Another
fragment of a handle (484) has a single hole, whilst both this and a larger
example (524) are of tubular form. Half a small rounded handle (676)
may have belonged to a bronze awl, since a similar implement was found
with the handle still attached.4
312. K. 39. 524. K. n o . 676. K. Peak Sanctuary.
484. K. 93. (PI. XXVIII, 4.) (PI. XXVIII, 4.)
(PI. XXVIII, 4.)

V. Bobbins. Two small four-sided tubular objects (451, 507), flaring

slightly at both ends, presented something of a problem. One (451', s
pierced at either end, the other (507) is decorated all over with small
incised dots. It seems probable that they were bobbins to hold the
thread in weaving. Something very similar is in use at the present day.
451. K. 73. 507. K. 85.
(PI. XXVIII, 4.) (PI. XXVIII, 4.)
4. Miscellanea.
Under this heading are grouped all objects which cannot easily be
assigned to any particular category, including small objects of various
materials such as spindle-whorls and beads.
I. Spindle Whorls. The use of these objects is in reality uncertain,5
but they are sufficiently alike to be grouped together for the sake of con-
1
Goldman Eutresis Fig. 283, 5. For a similar tool of contemporary date cf. BSA
2
VI p. 113 Fig. 48, 7 and 8. See p. 124.
3
For a wooden handle cf. Vrokastro Fig. 59 E.
6
* 251 from K. 26, see p. 115. Cf. BSA XXXVI p. 124.
 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III. 129

venience. They are made of clay and stone and the majority are either
cylindrical or conical in shape. The cylindrical type are mainly1 of clay
and were often made from the fragments of broken kylix stems. There
are seventy of these, and only five of stone. Conical spindle-whorls were
even commoner at this period 2 but these are for the most part of stone.
Among seventy-three of this type, one (443) is decorated on the base with
linear signs similar to those already observed on the stone pendant 196
and the pierced stone spool 438,3 whilst another (486) has a well-cut
compass-drawn rosette which proves that the use of the compass was
known even if it was not generally used in the decoration of pottery.
There are also twenty-eight conical whorls of clay.
The biconical shape is much less usual. There is a single stone
example (391) from M. 14 and the other seven are of clay, one (473) with
a pattern of impressed dots. Rarer still is the bell-shaped type of which
there are only two specimens (239, 561), both of clay, and the singly-
pierced 4limestone discs ( n o , 549) which probably served the same
purpose.
The average height of the majority of spindle-whorls is circa 2-5 cms.
Cylindrical Stone Whorls.
1906. K. 149. 385. M. 11. 635. K. 136.
240. K. 22. 586. K. 109.

Cylindrical Clay Whorls.

102. M. 1. 277. K. 11. 325. K. 47.
103. M. 1. 281. K. 23. Floor. 326. K. 47.
190a. K. 149. 282. K. 23. Floor. 329. K. 48.
1906. K. 149. 287. K. 23. Floor. 330. K. 48.
190c. K. 149. 291. K. 23. Floor. 331. K. 48.
igoaf. K. 149. 293. K. 23. Floor. 332. K. 48.
202. K. 1. 294. K. 30. 333. K. 48.
206. K. 3. 296. K. 31. 334. K. 48.
234. K. 17. 301. K. 33. 338. K. 48.
235. K. 17. 302. K. 33. 340. K. 49.
242. K. 24. 310. K. 38.. 350. K. 45.
243. K. 24. 313. K. 44. 351. K. 24-28.
244. K. 12. 315. K. 44. 353. K. 52.
255. K. 26. 317. K. 44. 356. K. 56.
256. K. 27. 320. K. 36. 357. K. 54.
270. K. 29. 322. K. 46. 361. K. 56.
276- K. 9. 324. K. 47. 374- K. 55.
1
This seems to discountenance the idea that they were used as beads, even if they
are lighter than the modern spindle whorl.
2
AJA 1901 p. 286 Fig. 14 and Vrokastro Fig. 73.
3
See p. 126 and Evans Cretan Pictographs Fig. 17 a a n d i . These linear signs may
4
represent some form of late inscription. Vrokastro Fig. 73.
K
 130 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

415. K. 58. 605. K. 113. 652. K. 6.

493. K. 76. 606. K. 114. 659. K. 143.
502. K. 79. 624. K. 116. 665. K. Peak Sanctuary.
520. K. 52. 625. K. 116. 666. K. Peak Sanctuary,
544. K. 107. 626. K. 116. 692. K. 147.
584. K. 124. 628. K. 108. 693. K. 147.
602. K. 120.
Conical Stone Whorls.
101. M. 1. 373- K - 45- 573. K. 104.
180. A. 1. 387. M. 12. 592. K. 122.
189. K. 149. 412. K. 56. 596. K. 121.
191. K. 149. 418. K. 62. 601. K. 120.
192. K. 149. 423. K. 64. 613. K. 92.
193. K. 149. 431. K. 61. 617. K. 1.
194. K. 149. 433. K. 66-8. Surface. 618. K. 131.
198. K. 149. 442. K. 69. 619. K. 133.
199. K. 149. 443. Inscribed. K. 69. 622. K. 122.
201. K. 1. 444. Unpierced. K. 6g. 631. Mikre Koprana.
210. K. 10. 453- K. 75. 632. Mikre Koprana.
231. K. 17. 457- K. 77. 633. Mikre Koprana.
263. K. 5. 460. K. 80. 639. K. 137.
264. K. 6. 461. K. 80. 640. K. 127.
274. K. 1. 462. K. 80. 641. K. 127.
283. K. 23. Floor. 470. K. 91. 642. K. 139.
303. K. 34. 482. K. 82. 643. K. 139.
318. K. 44. 486. Decorated. K. 93. 658. K. 143.
319. K. 44. 487. K. 94. 675. K. Peak Sanctuary.
327. K. 47. 506. K. 35. 677. K. Peak Sanctuary.
335. K. 48. 527. K. n o . 681. K. 143.
343. K. 49. 594. K. 77. 684. K. 147.
355- K - 53- 536. K. 83. 696. K. 150.
359- K - 54- 563. K. 109.

Conical Clay Whorls.

257. K. 40. 424. K. 64. 523. K. no.
259. K. 40. 429. K. 61. 547. K. in.
271. K. 39. 430. K. 61. 572. K. 109.
279. K. 23. Floor. 432. K. 61. Below floor. 583. K. 124.
280. K. 23. Floor. 437. K. 67. 597. K. 121.
316. K. 44. 445. K. 69. 656. K. 121.
323. K. 46. 446. K. 69. 657. K. 141.
362. K. 57. 447. K. 69. 682. K. 143.
363. K. 57. 468. K. 90. 691. K. 147.
414. K. 58.
Biconical Stone Whorl.
391. M. 14.
Biconical Clay Whorls.
212. K . I I. 364. K. 57. 473. Decorated K. 81.
346. K. 48. 472. K. 91. 694. K. 147.
348. K. 56.
 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III. 131
Bell-shaped Clay Whotls.
239. K. 22. 561. K. 109.
Disc-shaped Limestone Whorls.
no. K. 1. (PI. XXX, 4.) 549. K. 113.
II. Clay Miscellanea. Besides the above-mentioned spindle whorls,
there are a few small objects of clay. An oblong clay palette (186) is not
unlike the stone palettes of an earlier date.1 There are also two loom-
weights, one (124) conical in shape and transversely pierced near the top,
the other (225) also pierced near the top, but of the rectangular type.
Both these weights may be of slightly later date 2 than the rest of the
objects from the site. This is especially probable in the case of 225, which
closely resembles loom-weights of the Archaic period from Kolonna. A
very large cylindrical object (695), slightly flared at the ends, was prob-
ably some sort of spool. Rough clay spools were also found in large
numbers in certain rooms. They were probably used in weaving.
Clay Palette.
186. K. 149. (PI. XXX, 3.)
Clay Loom-weights.
124. Bought. 225. K. 15.
Clay Spool.
695. K. 147.
III. Seals. Only two seals were found on the site, and both were
probably heirlooms from an earlier date. The art of seal-cutting seems to
have disappeared completely by the Intermediate Period when very few
seal-stones are found. Both examples are extremely well-cut.

109
FIG. 2.—SEAL.
Scale, 1:1.
A button-shaped steatite seal (109) pierced through the knob and with
a rosette design on the face was found in the Temple. The closest con-
1
2
See p. 124, note 3.
The earlier loom-weights are for the most part vertically rather than transversely
pierced.
 132 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

temporary parallel is a clay seal from Vrokastro,1 but 109 is a very fine
example and will bear comparison with the rosette pattern on an MM II
signet from Mokhlos.2
The other seal (620) is a lentoid gem of red jasper engraved with the
figure of a lion in a crouching attitude. This was a favourite motive with
the Minoan seal-cutter, and can be traced through many variations from
an early example on the small-end of a seal from Platanos 3 to the decadent
type represented by a lion and bull scene from the Little Palace at
Knossos.4 The crouching position is particularly well adapted to the

Fig. 3.—SEAL.
Scale, 1 : 1 .

shape of round and lentoid seals and was very popular throughout
LM I—III,5 nor is the lion on 620 in any way inferior to the average work
of this period. Perhaps both 109 and 620 may best be dated to LM Illb
when the Minoan tradition was revived after a short break.6
109. K. 1. (Fig. 1.) 620. K. 133. (Fig. 2.)

IV. Faience. A single fragment of greenish-blue faience comes from

K. 136, but unfortunately it is too small to give any clue to the purpose
which it may have served. Seals and beads of faience were found at this
period at Vrokastro 7 and provide almost the only evidence for outside
contacts at this period.
637. K. 136.
V. Wood. Several fragments of worked wood were found in one of
the houses, and their survival is a further indication that the city did not
suffer destruction by fire.8 There is no means of determining to what
these fragments belonged.
224. K. 14.
1 2
Vrokastro Fig. 65. Mochlos Fig. 35.
3 4
VTM PL XIII 1087. P ofM IV Fig. 486.
5
For examples of this see the lion-hunting scenes of LM I : op. cit. Fig. 555, the
wounded lion from Vapheio op. cit. Fig. 500 and the contorted lion op. cit. Fig. 583.
6 7 8
Archaeology of Crete p . 257. Vrokastro pp. 135-7. See p. 136.
 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III. 133

VI. Beads. A number of beads of varying shapes x and materials

were found mainly in the city. One (115) is globular and of clay. Two
are of bone, one (165) tubular and the other (262) drop-shaped. A green
glass 2 bead (245) and one of green faience (246) are respectively globular
and amygdaloid in shape. The remainder are of black or grey steatite,
one (545) a short cylinder, another (599) flat and rectangular and a third
(616) shaped like a miniature disc.
M. 1. 246. K. 12. 599- K. 54
165. M. 8. 262. K. 41. 616. K.3.
245- K. 12. 545- K. 107.

5. Natural Objects.
This section includes such objects as shells, tusks and fragments of horn
found on the site. The skulls, bones and horns from the tombs will be
dealt with in a future report.
I. Shells. A number of shells were found. These include four large
conch shells, one of which had been petrified, four cowries, two oyster
shells, three whelks and two molluscs.
Conch Shells.
181. M. 8. 347- K.43- 369. K. 1.
227. K. 16
Cowries.
203. K. 1. 366. K. 48. 367. K. 48.
204. K. 1
Oyster-shells.
365. K. 9. 366. K. 9.

Whelks.
241. K. 24. 311. K. 38. 321. K. 40-41

Molluscs.
290. K. 23. Floor. 328. K.47.
II. Tusks. A few boars' tusks were found here. One (229) from
beneath the floor of K. 7 was doubly pierced in the curve and probably
served as some form of ornament. The position of3 the holes suggests that
it might have been a crescent-shaped pendant. Another (300) was
1
These shapes can be paralleled from Vrokastro Fig. 85.
2
For the appearance of glass at the end of the Minoan period see op. cit. p. 148.
3
The shape seems to suggest part of a necklace rather than an ornament sewn to the
clothes.
134 EXCAVATIONS IN THE PLAIN OF LASITHI. III.

pierced at one end and sharpened at the other, possibly for use as an awl
or puncher.
226. K. 15. 229. K. 17. Below floor. 300. K. 31.

III. Horn. One very large piece of bull's horn and many others smaller
and more fragmentary were found in the city. Red deer horns also
occurred.
247. K. 15.

VI. HISTORY OF THE CITY AND TIMES.

Terminology.
The period to which the occupation of Karphi belongs is clearly the
dark age which follows the end of the Bronze Age. This period is often
known indiscriminately as the Sub-Minoan or as the Proto-Geometric
Period, that term being used which seems to fit best the results at the
particular site to which it is applied. Neither term, however, is satisfactory
when applied to the period as a whole.
Sub-Minoan pottery is clearly contemporary with Proto-Geometric.
It would be absurd to apply the term Proto-Geometric to a city like
Karphi, where only one or two sherds of the true Proto-Geometric style
have appeared. On the other hand, the term Sub-Minoan takes no
account of the very considerable non-Minoan elements which have crept
into the architecture and other manifestations of culture. In the same
way, it would be absurd to apply the term Sub-Minoan to the Early Iron
Age cemeteries of Knossos. Here the term Proto-Geometric is more
excusable, though it still takes no account of the many Minoan features
which survived there.
It seems to the present writers that the best solution is to use the
phrase ' Intermediate Period,' as indicating the transitional nature of the
age and allowing the terms Sub-Minoan and Proto-Geometric to be
applied in the sense they were originally intended—that is to say, to style.
This saves the necessity of using two different terms to describe the same
period, and by no means denies the possibility that for a short time Sub-
Minoan pottery may have been alone in use in the island, or that before
the end of the period Proto-Geometric pottery had completely ousted it.
We may compare the use of the same term ' Intermediate Period '
by Egyptologists. The First Intermediate Period covers the anarchic
days of the Vllth to Xth Dynasties, when Egypt was split up and two
dynasties ruled at the same time, one in the north, one in the south. The
Second Intermediate Period covers the dark days of the XlVth to XVIIth