In the middle of the Bronze age the Minoans were settled in Crete. Primarily an agrarian society, they took pleasure in "dancing, bullfighting" (visual-arts-cork) and in the creation of decorative handicrafts. Among the topics they represented artistically, bullfighting was a popular one. This piece shows incredible craftsmanship and depicts a surprisingly spry and light-footed bull leaping as an acrobat flips overhead, an impressive an incredibly dangerous feat. Bull leaping was a daring practice and one that likely held religious significance for the Minoans as the bull was symbolic of "both strength and potency" (British Museum). This piece is full of the breath-catching drama of the moment. The acrobat is captured at the moment when his body and his life lies between the bull's horns. The arch of his back and the movement of his hair flying back as he moves through the air make this piece eye catching. It is a diminutive piece standing only 11 cm high and 15 cm long (British Museum) yet the bull seems emotionally sculpted and exudes a sense of exuberance at the freedom and adrenaline of leaping and tossing its body about. Crafted between 1700 and 1450 BC, this sculpture is a testament to the sport that was so favored by the Minoans of Crete.
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