Olive Mill Vessel

Mistato. An olive mill measuring pot, with a capacity of 40 litres when filled to the base of the neck. The katsigaros (olive pulp dregs) was drained through a small hole at the bottom, to separate it from the clear oil on the surface.

FARMING VESSELS

Dipseli (beehive). A large cylindrical vessel used as a beehive in eastern Crete. These are stacked horizontally on walls. The bees make a series of round flat honeycombs hanging from the ceiling. This form has been known since antiquity and is preserved in Crete and the Cyclades.

Fraski (beehive). A Minoan type of beehive used in Heraklion and Rethymnon Prefectures. There is a hole in the base for the bees to enter and leave, and a small circular ventilation hole a little higher up. A row of clay rods is laid over the hive, from which the bees will hang the honeycomb. The rods are covered by thick bushy branches, with the wide lid of the fraski placed over all.

Fraski lid. A large round lid in the shape of a conical section, with two small protruding handles, for covering the fraski beehive.

Rovofraski. A large open vessel with two handles and a hole in the base. This was filled with feed for cows and beasts of burden. The day before ploughing it was filled with chick-peas (rovi) and water, which fermented for a short time before being fed to the cows to give them strength and vigour.