14k solid gold ancient Minoan bull (taurus) brooch. This is a reproduction of the original earrings design that are exhibited at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, on the island of Crete in Greece. A superb specimen of Minoan goldsmithing with granulation technique. For the Minoans, the bull was an important symbol of power. It represented the sun and the power of light, and was worshiped as an idol. The bull was a central theme in the Minoan civilization (3000-1450 BC), with bull heads and horns used as sacred symbols in the Knossos palace, as well as on pottery, frescos, and coins of the time.