Ivory Plaque depicting Aristaios
Greek c.650-600 BC
Possibly from the Sanctuary of Artemis Orthia, Sparta
Aristaios was a minor rustic deity, the discoverer of olive oil and honey. He was also linked to the care of sheep and hunting.
He rarely appears in art, when he does he is shown winged and with a beard as in this plaque. It is in the style of Spartan ivory carvings, though its discovery site is uncertain.
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