Βronze figurine of a bull, from the sanctuary of Kabeiros in Βοeotia. 600-550 B.C.

The incised inscription on the back of the animal identifies the work as a dedication. Images of bulls made up the majority of the dedications at the sanctuary in question. They were possibly substitutes for the far more expensive sacrifices of bovines. The mystery cult of Kabeiros and his attendant child (Pais) in Boeotia was connected with young men, who were subjected to trials in order to ensure fertility and strength, the main qualities of a man.