UN PITHARAKI MM III DAL NUOVO «SETTORE NORD-EST» DI HAGHIA TRIADA

Abstract

During the excavations in the NE sector of Haghia Triada in 1993, a MM III pitharaki (HTR 2475) was found in the northern part of the «Complesso della mazza di breccia». The vase comes from a MM III ceramic dump (Trench M/4), one of the largest in Haghia Triada, which is still in the process of being studied. Comparison with similar vases found in funeral contexts (from Apesokari and Vorou) show that the pitharaki was probably a cult vase, and this article suggests that it should connected with room z (which is situated close to the MM III ceramic dump) and for which a ceremonial function has been assumed. Furthermore, a general interpretation of the area is advanced: it is proposed that the ceramic complex of Trench M/4 is part of the largest archaeological evidence connected with ceremonies for the cult of the dead, from the prepalatial to the postpalatial period.