Iron sickle embedded in a stone stele, found at the Spartan Sanctuary of Othia Artemis, goddess of nature and fertility, at Limnes, 7th-6th century. The sanctuary became a religious centre for training Spartan youths and held contests in honour of the goddess. Winners who distinguished themselves would be allowed to embed an iron sickle into an inscribed stele which celebrated their triumphs. There was also a sinister side to worship at this sanctuary in the form of the blood ritual of lashing. During adolescence Spartan youth were initiated by being whipped severely in public in the presence of the priestess until their blood flowed and stained the alter of the goddess. Many died but those who remained on their feet to the end were declared victors, awarded a prize and allowed to erect a statue to themselves in the sanctuary.