Transition to the underworld

Abstract

In 1979, excavations in the eastern cemetery of Pella brought to light, among other finds, a small clay disc that depicts a three-headed deity. This rare object was found with several vases and figurines that allow its dating in the early Hellenistic period. In this article, after a short description of the find, and an examination of its context, special emphasis is given to the identification of the depicted deity and her most probable relation with the goddess Hekate. The clay disc possibly had a magic-protective character related with the passage of the dead to the underworld.