Inventory number
ΕΑΜ 2565
Category
Sculpture
Period
Classical Period
Date
Around mid 4th cent. BC
Dimensions
Height: 2.39 m
Length: 0.22 m
Material
Marble
Location
Gallery of the Acropolis Slopes
Tall and lean stele with relief decoration. It was found in 1904 at the south of the Theatre of Dionysos. It widens at the top, where the marble sole of a luxurious sandal is attached with two iron nails. The sandals metal straps were fitted into notches still preserved in its perimeter. On the sandal the figure of a mature man dressed only in a himation is depicted. He has his right hand raised, in a typical gesture of respect.
From the lower part of the stele an enormous relief snake slithers upward toward the sandal. Between the snake and the sandal is a carved inscription that reads "Silon anetheken", meaning Silon dedicated it. This Silon could be the man depicted on the sandal.
The snake is associated with the worship of heroes and the sandal, which in ancient Greek is called blaute, most likely links this offering with the worship of "Heros epi Blaute" or "hero on a sandal" as it is mentioned in ancient literary sources. However, some archaeologists connect this stele with Aphrodite, who is sometimes portrayed holding a sandal.
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