Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleStone disc

About this objectThis stone disc was found in a Bronze Age tomb in Karmi, on the northern coast of Cyprus. Identified as steatite, the greenish stone has a smooth. polished surface. The disc is rounded on one side and flat on the other.

The disc was originally thought to be a spindle whorl, but as the hole is not central, it would not have been easily usable. Spindle whorls should ideally be circular and have a fairly regular cross-section, as lopsided whorls would upset the balance of the spindle and give an uneven result.

It has more recently been suggested that this may be a personal adornment or accessory, as other steatite decorative pieces have been found in tombs in the region.

Date Madeca. 21st Century BC

PeriodEarly Cypriote

Place MadeCyprus

Place NotesExcavated from Karmi - Lapatsa tomb 11

Medium and MaterialsStone: Steatite

Style and IconographyCypriote

TechniqueCarving (processes)

MeasurementsHeight 11mm; Diameter 43mm; Diameter ca. 10mm (hole)

Subject and Association KeywordsClothing and dress

Subject and Association KeywordsMourning customs

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LineDonated by the Melbourne University Cyprus Expedition, care of Dr J.B. Hennessy, University of Sydney, 1973.

Object TypeUnidentified object

Object number139.73