1. Votive Pig. Eleusis. The second day of the Mysteries at Athens (Boedromion 16) was called HALADE MYSTAI (“seaward, initiates!”), when each initiate,accompanied by his mystagogos, went to the port of Phaleron carrying a (live) sacrificial pig for purification.

2. The fifth day of the Mysteries, POMPE (PROCESSION), saw the priests take the Hiera (holy things) from the Eleusinion in Athens and go with the initiates, the wooden statue of Iacchos in a cart, as well as the initiates and their sponsors to the Pompeion at Athens (between Dipylon gate and Eridanos River at the Kerameikos. Then, they would set off to Eleusis. Here is the Sanctuary of Aphrodite on the Sacred Way between Athens and Eleusis. The niches held dedicatory inscriptions.

3. Model of Telesterion in the Sanctuary of the Two Goddesses. Eleusis. Museum.

4. Dedicatory bases from Eleusis sanctuary, with the torches characteristic of the cult.

5. Torches on Dedicatory Base. Eleusis.

6. Stele of Demeter and Hekate (or Persephone). Demeter wears polos and holds scepter and wheat. The approaching female holds torches. Both Hekate and Persephone carry torches in art, so it is difficult to know which one approaches the goddess. Demeter sits on an elaborate throne, perhaps in a temple. Mylonas says her loose hair on her shoulders is a symbol of her grief. Mylonas points out that bare feet characterized Mysteries of Demeter at Andania (Messenia). 0.78m x 0.56m. x 0.09-0.12m

7. Eleusis. Architrave-frieze from “Lesser Propylon”. Latin inscription on the architrave: Appius Claudius Pulcher, consul in 54, vowed it to Demeter. Completed posthumously by his two nephews. Triglyphs are overlain by kistai (baskets for the HIERA), and sheaves of wheat. Metopes carry carved boukrania (ox skulls) poppy flowers.

8. Height: 0.47m Demeter sits on kiste, accompanied by standing Persephone. 4th century BCE. Eleusis Museum. Perhaps Persephone held a torch in her missing hand.

9. Relief and building inscription from the Sanctuary of Eleusis. Demeter sits on the Kiste (basket for the HIERA), with Persephone behind her, holding two burning torches. Before Demeter is a standing man, perhaps the Demos (people) of Eleusis. Perhaps Demeter gives instructions to him about building activities. See Homeric Hymn to Demeter 270: “But come: let the whole demos build me a great temple and an altar below it.”

10. Votive Relief. Eleusis. Perhaps Triptolemos in dragon-drawn chariot. Facing him is Demeter. Perhaps she held a phiale and oenochoe, as in contemporary paintings. Persephone stands behind him w/lit torches. This might be the APOSTOLE (sending forth) of Triptolemos. Little people may be dedicators of this naiskos-shaped relief. 400 BCE.

11. The “Great Relief” of Eleusis. Thought to be Demeter (with scepter) sending Triptolemos off to spread the knowledge of agriculture. Behind the hero stands Per- sephone with a lighted torch. A painted crown for the boy would have fit in her right hand. His sandals indicate that he will travel. Middle 5th century BCE. Athens. National Museum.

12. Height 0.44m, 0.32m width, with holes for attachments in four corners Niinnion Tablet. Eleusis. First half of fourth cent. BCE. Naiskos form, w/ Pediment and palmette As central finial. Framed By antae, in form of bacchoi (myrtle branch Wands, carried by Initiates). Perhaps the prosodos (ceremonial Advent of initiates) to goddesses. Two seated goddesses, perhaps for greater and lesser mysteries. Perhaps the pediment shows pannychis (nightlong party). Note inscription at bottom.