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Mycenae Excavation Records

The Mycenae Excavation Records consist primarily of original site plans, drawings and watercolours of artefacts, as well as a few notebooks and photographs, produced during the 1920-23 British School at Athens excavations at Mycenae led by then BSA Director, Alan Wace. Some of the areas explored in these early excavations include the Palace, Grave Circle, Lion Gate, Granary, and the Ramp House as well as numerous tombs including the Treasury of Atreus, Tomb of the Genii, Tomb of Aegisthus, and the Kalkani and Third Kilometre Cemeteries.

Most of these documents were deposited at the BSA by Alan Wace and Piet de Jong after the 1920-23 excavations while others were deposited in the 1930s either after they were published or after they returned to Athens from the 1936 exhibition, ‘British Archaeological Discoveries in Greece and Crete, 1886-1936’ hosted at Burlington House (Royal Academy of Arts) in London. Two notebooks by Winifred Lamb were added to the collection as part of the Lamb bequest in 1963 and two notebooks by Walter A. Heurtley were donated by Sylvia Benton in 1972. Additionally, some of the watercolour drawings, previously framed by Elizabeth B. French, were left to the British School at Athens in 1994 following her tenure as the BSA Director.

Gold Jewellery and Other Small Finds from the Kalkani Cemetery [MYC 3/3/11], Gold Jewellery and Other Small Finds from the Kalkani Cemetery, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawings and colour printed page of gold jewellery and other small finds from the Kalkani Cemetery. MYC 3/3/11/1 - MYC 3/3/11/7 are all included on a single plate.

Bead Jewellery, Rosettes, and Ring from Tomb 523 [MYC 3/3/11/1], Bead Jewellery, Rosettes, and Ring from Tomb 523, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawing of paste beads, glass beads, paste ornaments, ivory rosettes, and a bronze ring from tomb 523 (L.H. III). MYC 3/3/11/1 - MYC 3/3/11/7 are all included on a single plate.

Gold Bead from Tomb 515 [MYC 3/3/11/2], Gold Bead from Tomb 515, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawing of a gold bead, made in two pieces and soldered together, each half decorated with five granulated circlets, the centers of which were filled with blue paste. MYC 3/3/11/1 - MYC 3/3/11/7 are all included on a single plate.

Gold Jewellery from Tomb 515 [MYC 3/3/11/3], Gold Jewellery from Tomb 515, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawings of a gold strip, necklace, ornaments, and rosettes found in tomb 515. MYC 3/3/11/1 - MYC 3/3/11/7 are all included on a single plate.

Small Finds from Tomb 513 [MYC 3/3/11/4], Small Finds from Tomb 513, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawing of ivory rosettes, glass beads, a gold ring, and steatite whorls from tomb 513 (L.H. III). MYC 3/3/11/1 - MYC 3/3/11/7 are all included on a single plate.

Gold and Glass Ornaments [MYC 3/3/11/5], Gold and Glass Ornaments, 1920-1923

Printer’s proof showing three ornaments consisting of gold and glass. It is labelled “Plate 1” on the upper right corner of the paper.

Gold Jewellery [MYC 3/3/11/6], Gold Jewellery, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawing showing five pieces of gold jewellery. MYC 3/3/11/1 - MYC 3/3/11/7 are all included on a single plate.

Gold Jewellery from Tomb 518 [MYC 3/3/11/7], Gold Jewellery from Tomb 518, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawing of gold jewellery found in tomb 518 (L.H. II). MYC 3/3/11/1 - MYC 3/3/11/7 are all included on a single plate.

Steatite Bull’s Head Rhyton No. 1C [MYC 3/4/01], Steatite Bull’s Head Rhyton No. 1C, 1920-1922

B/W ink drawing of a bull’s head rhyton carved from steatite. The fragment found includes the top of the forehead with the right and part of the left horn socket. It was found in the Rhyton Well on the acropolis. It is labeled “26” on the front and back.

Steatite Bull’s Head Rhyton No. 1D [MYC 3/4/02], Steatite Bull’s Head Rhyton No. 1D, 1920-1922

B/W ink drawing of a bull’s head rhyton carved from steatite. The fragment found includes the left side of the face and forehead with horn and eye sockets. It was found in the Rhyton Well on the acropolis. It is labeled “26b” on the front and back.

Construction Details of Bull’s Head Rhyton [MYC 3/4/03], Construction Details of Bull’s Head Rhyton, 1920-1922

B/W ink drawing and description of the construction processes to create a bull’s head rhyton from steatite. Specifically, it shows the locking mechanisms to attach the horns. It is labeled “27a” on the front.

Fragments of Stele VIII from Grave Circle [MYC 3/4/04], Fragments of Stele VIII from Grave Circle, 1920-1923

Final ink drawing of fragments from grave stele VIII in the Grave Circle. MYC 3/4/04/1 - MYC 3/4/04/3 are all glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragment of Stele VIII from Grave Circle Part A [MYC 3/4/04/1], Fragment of Stele VIII from Grave Circle Part A, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of a fragment from grave stele VIII displaying a chariot wheel and the heads of two warriors. MYC 3/4/04/1 - MYC 3/4/04/3 are all glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragment of Stele VIII from Grave Circle Part B [MYC 3/4/04/2], Fragment of Stele VIII from Grave Circle Part B, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of a fragment from grave stele VIII displaying the leg and hoof of a horse, as well as a border design. MYC 3/4/04/1 - MYC 3/4/04/3 are all glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragment of Stele VIII from Grave Circle Part C [MYC 3/4/04/3], Fragment of Stele VIII from Grave Circle Part C, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of a fragment from grave stele VIII displaying the left-hand corner with a spiral design. MYC 3/4/04/1 - MYC 3/4/04/3 are all glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragments of Stele IX from Grave Circle [MYC 3/4/05], Fragments of Stele IX from Grave Circle, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawings of fragments from grave stele IX in the Grave Circle. MYC 3/4/05/1 & MYC 3/4/05/2 are glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragments of Stele IX from Grave Circle Part A [MYC 3/4/05/1], Fragments of Stele IX from Grave Circle Part A, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of a fragment from grave stele IX displaying the legs of a man falling to the left, a man’s torso and head as he is leaning to the right, as well as potentially the arm, spear, or sword of an adversary. MYC 3/4/05/1 & MYC 3/4/05/2 are glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragments of Stele IX from Grave Circle Part B [MYC 3/4/05/2], Fragments of Stele IX from Grave Circle Part B, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of a fragment from grave stele IX displaying two chariot wheels, the body of one chariot, as well as the hind leg of a horse and reins. MYC 3/4/05/1 & MYC 3/4/05/2 are glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragments of Stelae X & XI from Grave Circle [MYC 3/4/06], Fragments of Stelae X & XI from Grave Circle, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawings of fragments from grave stelae X and XI in the Grave Circle. MYC 3/4/06/1 - MYC 3/4/06/3 are glued together.

Fragments of Stele X from Grave Circle [MYC 3/4/06/1], Fragments of Stele X from Grave Circle, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of two fragments from grave stele X, part a displaying a man with pleated hair or some sort of cap. His knees are bent and he has a curved object in his left hand. Part b displays the legs of a man who is apparently running. MYC 3/4/06/1 - MYC 3/4/06/3 are glued together.

Fragment of Stele XI from Grave Circle Part A [MYC 3/4/06/2], Fragment of Stele XI from Grave Circle Part A, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of fragment “a” from grave stele XI displaying the forepart of a horse, reins, and a long lance pointed in the same direction as the horse. The stele is badly damaged and the images are almost indistinguishable. MYC 3/4/06/1 - MYC 3/4/06/3 are glued together.

Fragment of Stele XI from Grave Circle Part B [MYC 3/4/06/3], Fragment of Stele XI from Grave Circle Part B, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of fragment “b” from grave stele XI displaying the head and arm of a man who is holding a similarly curved object to that in MYC 3/4/6/1. MYC 3/4/06/1 - MYC 3/4/06/3 are glued together.

Fragments of Stele XII from Grave Circle [MYC 3/4/07], Fragments of Stele XII from Grave Circle, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawings of fragments from grave stele XIII in the Grave Circle. MYC 3/4/07/1 - MYC 3/4/07/5 are glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragment of Stele XII from Grave Circle Part A [MYC 3/4/07/1], Fragment of Stele XII from Grave Circle Part A, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of fragment “a” from grave stele XII displaying several spirals and loops. The fragment is the top left corner of the stele. It is labeled “74” on the back. MYC 3/4/07/1 - MYC 3/4/07/5 are glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragment of Stele XII from Grave Circle Part B [MYC 3/4/07/2], Fragment of Stele XII from Grave Circle Part B, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of fragment “b” from grave stele XII displaying a spiral and loop. The fragment is the top right corner of the stele. It is labeled “84” on the back. MYC 3/4/07/1 - MYC 3/4/07/5 are glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragment of Stele XII from Grave Circle Part C [MYC 3/4/07/3], Fragment of Stele XII from Grave Circle Part C, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of fragment “c” from grave stele XII displaying three linked spirals which form a border. It is labeled “77” on the back. MYC 3/4/07/1 - MYC 3/4/07/5 are glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragment of Stele XII from Grave Circle Part D [MYC 3/4/07/4], Fragment of Stele XII from Grave Circle Part D, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of fragment “d” from grave stele XII displaying the greater part of one spiral and a small part of another. MYC 3/4/07/1 - MYC 3/4/07/5 are glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Fragment of Stele XII from Grave Circle Part E [MYC 3/4/07/5], Fragment of Stele XII from Grave Circle Part E, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of fragment “e” from grave stele XII displaying part of a spiral and a broad vertical band on the outside. It is labeled “78” on the back. MYC 3/4/07/1 - MYC 3/4/07/5 are glued together and represent fragments of the same stele.

Restored Design of Frament A from Grave Stele XII [MYC 3/4/08], Restored Design of Frament A from Grave Stele XII, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of a restored version of fragment “a” from stele XII in the grave circle (MYC 3/4/07/1). It displays a complete design of the laterally connecting spirals and loops. It is labeled “6” on the front and “82” on the back.

Fragment “D” of Stele VIII from Grave Circle [MYC 3/4/09], Fragment “D” of Stele VIII from Grave Circle, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of fragment “d” from stele VIII. The fragment is badly damaged and not much is discernable other than four parallel horizontal lines. It is labeled “76” on the back.

Objects from Beehive Tombs and Kalkani Cemetery [MYC 3/4/10], Objects from Beehive Tombs and Kalkani Cemetery, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawings showing objects from the Beehive Tombs and Kalkani Cemetery. MYC 3/4/10/1 - MYC 3/4/10/5 are all included in 1936 Exhibition collection: 1936 EXH - 104

Bronze Mirror with Ivory Handle [MYC 3/4/10/1], Bronze Mirror with Ivory Handle, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of bronze mirror with carved ivory handles from the woman's grave in the entrance passage of the "Tomb of Clytemnestra," L.H. III (1400-1100 B.C.). MYC 3/4/10/1 - MYC 3/4/10/5 are all included in 1936 Exhibition collection: 1936 EXH - 104.

Bronze Mirror with Ivory Handle Details [MYC 3/4/10/2], Bronze Mirror with Ivory Handle Details, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawings of bronze mirror with carved ivory handles, from the woman's grave in the entrance passage of the "Tomb of Clytemnestra," L.H. III (1400-1100 B.C.). MYC 3/4/10/1 - MYC 3/4/10/5 are all included in 1936 Exhibition collection: 1936 EXH - 104

Ivory Handle of Bronze Mirror [MYC 3/4/10/3], Ivory Handle of Bronze Mirror, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of carved ivory handle of bronze mirror from the woman's grave in the entrance passage of the "Tomb of Clytemnestra," L.H. III (1400-1100 B.C.). MYC 3/4/10/1 - MYC 3/4/10/5 are all included in 1936 Exhibition collection: 1936 EXH - 104

Ivory Inlay from Wooden Casket [MYC 3/4/10/4], Ivory Inlay from Wooden Casket, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing of ivory inlay from a wooden casket, from Tomb 518, L.H. II (1500-1400 B.C.). MYC 3/4/10/1 - MYC 3/4/10/5 are all included in 1936 Exhibition collection: 1936 EXH - 104

Restoration Drawing of Ivory Relief of Guardian Lions [MYC 3/4/10/5], Restoration Drawing of Ivory Relief of Guardian Lions, 1920-1923

B/W ink drawing showing fragments of a ivory plaque in a proposed restoration of the plaque showing guardian lions in heraldic posture from "Tomb of Aegisthus," L.H. II (1500-1400 B.C.). MYC 3/4/10/1 - MYC 3/4/10/5 are all included in 1936 Exhibition collection: 1936 EXH - 104

Fresco Fragments of Women from Ramp House [MYC 4/01], Fresco Fragments of Women from Ramp House, 1920-1921

Two identical printer's proofs of a watercolour of a fresco displaying women from the Ramp House. The individual fragments are numbered (8-10, 23-25). The final water-colour from which this was printed is MYC 3/2/15. Individual fragments are also included as MYC 3/2/03 & MYC 3/2/04.

Fresco Fragments of Plant with Blue Leaves from Ramp House [MYC 4/02], Fresco Fragments of Plant with Blue Leaves from Ramp House, 1920-1921

Two identical printer's proofs of a watercolour of a fresco displaying plants with blue leaves from the Ramp House. The individual fragments are numbered (11-19, 21-22). The final water-colour is included as MYC 3/2/16 and fragment #13 is included as MYC 3/2/05.

Fresco Fragments of Abstract Patterns from Ramp House [MYC 4/03], Fresco Fragments of Abstract Patterns from Ramp House, 1920-1921

Printed reproduction of a watercolour of a fresco displaying abstract patterns of lines, spots, and other markings colored red, yellow, blue, black, and white from the Ramp House. The individual fragments are numbered (i-ii, a-b, 26-32). Fragment #27 is located in MYC 3/2/06, fragment #30 is located in MYC 3/2/07, and fragments a & b are located in MYC 3/2/08.

Plan of the South Part of the Palace [MYC 4/04], Plan of the South Part of the Palace, 1920-1923

Printed reproduction of an ink drawing of the south part of the palace.

Fresco Fragments of Men and Bulls from Ramp House [MYC 4/05], Fresco Fragments of Men and Bulls from Ramp House, 1920-1921

Colour printed reproduction of a watercolour of a fresco displaying men in athletic competition and bulls from the Ramp House. The individual fragments are numbered (1-7, 20). The final water-colour from which this was printed is MYC 3/2/14. Individual fragments are also included as MYC 3/2/01 & MYC 3/2/02

Plans and Sections of Tombs 518 & 529 [MYC 4/07], Plans and Sections of Tombs 518 & 529, 1922

Pinter's proof of an ink drawing of the plans and sections of tombs 518 & 529. The drawings contain scales and the important finds are numbered. MYC 4/07/01 & MYC 4/07/2 are printed on the same proof.

Plan and Section of Tomb 518 [MYC 4/07/1], Plan and Section of Tomb 518, 1922

Printer's proof of an ink drawing of the plan and section of tomb 518. The drawing contains a scale and the important finds are numbered. It is printed on the same piece of paper as MYC 4/07/2.

Plan and Section of Tomb 529 [MYC 4/07/2], Plan and Section of Tomb 529, 1922

Printer's proof of an ink drawing of the plan and section of tomb 529. The drawing contains a scale and the important finds are numbered. It is printed on the same piece of paper as MYC 4/07/1

Photograph of Lion Gate [MYC 4/09], Photograph of Lion Gate, 1920-1923

B/W photograph of the Lion Gate, within appear the Grave Circle and the houses to the south; and on the ridge, beyond the Cyclopean wall, the entrance to the Treasury of Atreus. This item was used for the 1936 Exhibition and so is also cross-referenced as follows: 1936 Exhibition Collection: 1936 EXH - 119.

Teracotta Figurines from Kalkani Cemetery [MYC 4/10], Teracotta Figurines from Kalkani Cemetery, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawings of terracotta figures of women (e) and oxen (f) ; from tombs 504, 513, 524. MYC 4/10/1 - MYC 4/10/8 are all included in 1936 Exhibition collection: 1936 EXH - 104E-F, along with MYC 4/11.

Female Terracotta Figurine from Tomb 524 No. 25a [MYC 4/10/1], Female Terracotta Figurine from Tomb 524 No. 25a, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawing of female terracotta figurine from tomb 524. MYC 4/10/1 - MYC /10/8 are all included in 1936 Exhibition collection: 1936 EXH - 104E-F, along with MYC 4/11.

Front View of Female Terracotta Figurine from Tomb 504 [MYC 4/10/2], Front View of Female Terracotta Figurine from Tomb 504, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawing showing the front view of a female terracotta figurine from tomb 504. Same figurine as MYC 4/10/4. MYC 4/10/1 - MYC 4/10/8 are all included in 1936 Exhibition collection: 1936 EXH - 104E-F, along with MYC 4/11.

Female Terracotta Figurine from Tomb 524 No. 27 [MYC 4/10/3], Female Terracotta Figurine from Tomb 524 No. 27, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawing of female terracotta figurine from tomb 524. MYC 4/10/1 - MYC 4/10/8 are all included in 1936 Exhibition collection: 1936 EXH - 104E-F, along with MYC 4/11.

Back view of Female Terracotta Figurine from Tomb 504 [MYC 4/10/4], Back view of Female Terracotta Figurine from Tomb 504, 1920-1923

Watercolour drawing of the back view of a female terracotta figurine from tomb 504. Same figurine as MYC 4/10/2. MYC 4/10/1 - MYC 4/10/8 are all included in 1936 Exhibition collection: 1936 EXH - 104E-F, along with MYC 4/11.