"Originally, the Cabiri were Phrygian chthonic
and fertility deities, and protectors of sailors, who were
imported into Greece. They are mysterious demons whose mystery
cults were connected to that of Hephaestus.
In Classical times they numbered two, although their numbers
seem to have varied over time. Two gods included were Axiocersus
and his son Cadmilus. Also mentioned is a female pair, namely
Axierus and Axiocersa. Their role, however, was of secondary
importance.
There were Cabiri sanctuaries on Thebes, Boeotia,
Lemnos, Imbros, and especially on Samothrace. On this particular
island important remains of the mysteries can be found: the
Anaktoron (500 BCE), the center of the Cabiri-cult; the Sacristy,
where the lists of the adepts were kept; the Tenemos, the plaza
where feasts were celebrated, with its ancient temple; the
new temple (ca. 275 BCE) where the famous statue of Nike was
excavated. The Cabiri are identified with the Dioscuri,
the Curetes, Corybantes,
and with the Roman Penates. "1
H: 11"
White Alabastrite
GK5903 - Winged Victory of Samothrace - Nike for $29.99:
