Faience Found in the Recent Excavations to the East of the Great Altar in the Samos Heraion

Recent excavations at the Pythagoreion and Heraion of Samos have uncovered significant deposits of discarded votive faience objects, providing a rare sequence of datable layers spanning approximately 50 years before the construction of the Great Altar. This discovery sheds light on the ritual significance of faience in the sanctuary's landscape, revealing both direct links to Egyptian craftsmanship and a distinct 'mixed style' that blends Egyptian motifs with local traditions. While some objects, such as those resembling Bastet's sacred baskets, show clear Egyptian influences, others adopt a more imitative approach, suggesting a strong ritual symbolism. The findings indicate faience's role as a meaningful carrier in sacrificial practices, though its origins remain varied and complex.

Webb, V. (2021). Faience Found in the Recent Excavations to the East of the Great Altar in the Samos Heraion. Archäologischer Anzeiger, 1. Halbband 2021. https://doi.org/10.34780/X4EJ-YEBF