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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 04 October 2013
I discuss four Linear A axe-head inscriptions. Two of them have not previously been published, one is discussed (though without a photograph) in AE 1953–4 (ii), 64 by N. K. Boufides, and one, though published by Evans in his first article on Cretan script before his excavations at Knossos (JHS xiv (1894), 280), is referred to neither in S.M. i nor by Carratelli. Its attribution to Linear A is probable but not certain.
page 132 note 1 G. Pugliese Carratelli, ‘Le Iscrizioni preelleniche di Haghia Triada etc.’ (MA xl). The Linear A inscriptions are referred to by his classification, and Linear A signs by his L series. Linear B signs are referred to by Bennet's numeration. Scripta Minoa i is abbreviated S.M. i.
page 134 note 1 It is now in the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford (AE. 85). Mr. Boardman, who has kindly provided me with the photographs Plate 36, tells me that two signs are clearly intended. Measurements of axe-head: L. 19·5 cm., H. 5·7 cm., Th. 2·5 cm.
page 134 note 2 Whaites, Margaret (‘The Deities of the Sacred Axe’, AJA xxvii. 28)Google Scholar finds no instance where the double-axe ‘is obviously the attribute of a male divinity only’. So Evans, , P. of M. ii. 277Google Scholar, Nilsson, , Minoan and Mycenaean Religion (1950) 226.Google Scholar The well-known ring from the Acropolis treasure at Mycenae (Schliemann, Mycenae 354 ff. and numerous later discussions) shows a goddess with a doubleaxe in the background. Since she is holding poppies and being offered what looks like barley, she could well be Demeter (cf. Nilsson, op. cit. 347 n. 22). Whether her name can be Minoan is dubious. Even if one accepts the suggestion in Et. Mag. 265 s.v. Δηώ that her name is derived from Cretan δηαὶ═κριθαὶ it is difficult to explain how its last half can be Minoan—unless Greek popular etymology read μὰτηρ into a Minoan word of similar sound. In h.Cer. 122 f. she tells Celeus' daughters that she came from Crete. But this again may not be significant. She is in disguise, and in the Odyssey Crete is a normal exporter of disguised personages. Cf. also Hes. Theog. 971.
page 135 note 1 For help in the publication of these axes I should like to thank in particular the Director of the British School at Athens, Mr. M. S. F. Hood, and Mr. John Boardman (note 1, p. 134). Dr. N. Platon gave me every facility at Iraklion Museum. I am grateful also to Prof. S. Marinatos for permission to photograph the silver axe 4, and to Mr. N. K. Boufides for some interesting discussions. My thanks are due also to the Trustees of the British Museum for the photographs of 1, and to the Ashmolean Museum for those of 2.
