--- title: Minoan Gold Signet Ring with Three Figures before a Temple author: Nathalie Choubineh source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/19833/minoan-gold-signet-ring-with-three-figures-before/ format: machine-readable-alternate license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) updated: 2025-01-08 --- # Minoan Gold Signet Ring with Three Figures before a Temple _Authored by [Nathalie Choubineh](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/nathalie.choubineh/)_ ## Image File [![Minoan Gold Signet Ring with Three Figures before a Temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19833.jpg)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/19833.jpg) ## Image Caption [Gold](https://www.worldhistory.org/gold/) signet ring showing one female and two male figures before a [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/), from Phourni, [Crete](https://www.worldhistory.org/crete/), c. 1700-1450 BCE. Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete. [Minoan](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Minoan/) [religion](https://www.worldhistory.org/religion/) is characterized by the prominent role of female figures engaged in ritual activities. These figures are depicted performing ritual gestures such as raising their arms, holding snakes, sticks, or double-headed axes, dancing with one hand on the waist and the other raised above their heads, or making offerings and libations. These figures, often interpreted as goddesses, priestesses, or even political leaders, are frequently shown with symbolic animals and objects sacred in [Minoan culture](https://www.worldhistory.org/Minoan_Civilization/), such as bees, cranes, palm trees, and discs, which may represent the sun. Another important category of Minoan artifacts closely associated with religious practices is signet rings made from precious metals, particularly gold. Several examples can be viewed today at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete. One such example features a central female figure flanked by two male figures: one kneeling with arms inclined in his front – another ritual gesture in [Minoan art](https://www.worldhistory.org/Minoan_Art/) – and the other performing the *oklasma*, a gesture in which fingers are interlocked above the head to produce a snapping sound. This gesture later became part of the dance routine in Dionysiac scenes. In the background, a temple made of simple mudbrick is shown, a common architectural feature used by the Minoans to enclose sacred natural objects, such as a rock or, as seen in this case, a tree. #### Editorial Review This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/). ## About the Author Nathalie is a translator and independent researcher of dance in the ancient world with a focus on Ancient Greece and the Near East. She has published works in ancient dance, ethnomusicology, and literature. She loves learning and sharing knowledge. - [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/nathalie.choubineh/) - [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalie-choubineh-035a8451/) ## External Links - [Home - Heraklion Archaeological Museum](https://heraklionmuseum.gr/en/) ## Cite This Work ### APA Choubineh, N. (2025, January 08). Minoan Gold Signet Ring with Three Figures before a Temple. *World History Encyclopedia*. ### Chicago Choubineh, Nathalie. "Minoan Gold Signet Ring with Three Figures before a Temple." *World History Encyclopedia*, January 08, 2025. . ### MLA Choubineh, Nathalie. "Minoan Gold Signet Ring with Three Figures before a Temple." *World History Encyclopedia*, 08 Jan 2025, . ## License & Copyright Submitted by [Nathalie Choubineh](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/nathalie.choubineh/ "User Page: Nathalie Choubineh"), published on 08 January 2025. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.