Minoan Snake Goddess (fragment) 1650-1550 BCE
"The snake Goddesses’ figurines, the most important cult objects from
the Knossos Temple Repositories. The center of the palatial cult was
the “Central Palace Sanctuary“, an organized complex of cult rooms in
the West Wing of the palace. In its crypts known as the “temple
repositories” part of the religious treasure of the sanctuary was
preserved, following the destruction of the palace circa 1600 B.C.
The
most prominent items in the assemblage are the faience figurines of the
famous “Snake Goddess”. Plaques bearing animal figures, plant motifs,
marine creatures and astral symbols highlight the aspect of the Goddess
as the protector of nature. The assemblage also includes various inlays
from wooden vessels, models of garments, miniature faience vessels and
many large vases, both locally made and imported from the Cyclades.
The
snakes on the figures symbolize the chthonic character of the cult
Goddess, while the feline creature on the head of the right figure at
the top picture suggests her dominion over wildlife.
The
Goddesses wear luxurious garments, consisting of a long flounced skirt,
an embroidered apron and a close-fitting bodice that exposes the large
breasts, symbolic of the fertility of women, the Goddess and by
implication nature itself. The richly decorated model dresses may be
copies of actual garments that were dedicated to the Goddess.
Along with the statues a rock cross and a crystal rosette that are astral symbols were found."
-taken from greek-museums.tumblr link below
Minoan Snake Goddess 1650-1550 BCE. Current location: Archaeological Museum of Heraklion |
Source/Quote:
https://greek-museums.tumblr.com/post/180769474721
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