Kernos (cult vessel)

Terracotta kernos as a grave attachment from Phylakopi on the Greek island of Melos , around 2000 BC, height 19 cm, diameter 30 cm, current location: Louvre

A kernos ( Greek κέρνος ; plural kerna ) is a bowl that was used as a sacrificial vessel for food during the Eleusinian mystery cults . The typical shape of the kernos consists of a foot, around which a ring of cup-shaped depressions is attached. It is believed that these depressions received fruit, meat and other offerings that were eaten by the porters after the procession. Shells of similar shape have also been found in Crete, for example in the palace of Malia . The function of the Minoan kernos is unclear.

Kerna can be seen in the Louvre and in the Archaeological Museum in Heraklion .

literature

• Stefan Link: Dictionary of Antiquity. Taking into account their continued operation (=  Kröner's pocket edition . Volume 96 ). 11th, completely revised and expanded edition. Alfred Kröner Verlag, Stuttgart 2002, ISBN 3-520-09611-0 .

Web links

Commons : Kernoi  - collection of images, videos and audio files

• Heraklion Archaeological Museum
• Louvre