Linear B ra3 Sign

𐁉 is ra3, a Linear B sign used for a syllable sequence.

Scholars transcribe its syllable value as rai or lai, depending on the word. At Pylos, ra3 is linked to word-final feminine nominative plurals—the plural form of grammatically feminine nouns in the case usually used for a sentence’s subject. Plain ra can alternate with it.

Linear B adapted much of its sign set from earlier Linear A, but ra3 is treated as a Linear B innovation. It is associated with Pylos; e-ra3-wo is also attested at Ayios Vasileios in the southern Peloponnese.

When does 𐁉 stand for saffron?

At Knossos, it can label saffron instead of spelling a syllable.

Linear B signs can spell syllables or label goods. At Knossos, 𐁉 is the saffron ideogram—a sign for a commodity—catalogued as CROC or *144. The surrounding record tells you whether it names saffron or represents a syllable.