Goddess With Snakes

Minoan Second Palace Period, c. 1700-1550. Palace complex at Knossos, Crete. Faience.

This figurine originates from the island of Crete - the Minoan civilization. For this deity, we see a very humanistic form, with an elegant, graceful stance, appearing rather naturalistic in proportion. Also, this goddess wears a common Minoan garment, with her flounced dress, apron, and open-chested bodice. This naturalism and humanization of gods uncommon in other cultures became increasingly common in the Aegean culture.

The symbolism of the snake was also increasingly common to the Minoans, in which there was a snake-worshipping cult. To the Minoans, the snake symbolized multiple things - protection of the dwellers of the house, as well as being an underworld deity. Both good and evil, in a sense. In this particular figurine, the goddess grasps two snakes, one in each hand, and gives a strong, powerful gesture. Perhaps this figurine could have decorated a house or was used to protect it, though there is little evidence to support such a conclusion. It is more likely that this figurine was used in ceremony or worship by the snake cult, as other figurines like it have been found in places of cult worship.

Image and Source:
Trckova-Flamee, Dr. Alena, PhD. "Minoan Snake Goddess." Encyclopedia Mythica from Encyclopedia Mythica Online. Available at
http://www.pantheon.org/articles/m/minoan_snake_goddess.html.
Accessed 18 July 2006.