Minoan snake goddess figurines  

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Snake Goddess describes a number of figurines of a woman holding a snake in each hand found during excavation of Minoan archaeological sites in Crete dating from approximately 1600 BCE. By implication, the term 'goddess' also describes the deity depicted; although little more is known about her identity apart from that gained from the figurines. The 'Snake Goddess' figure first discovered was found by the British archaeologist Arthur Evans in 1903. The figurine found by Arthur Evans uses the faience technique, for glazing earthenware and other ceramic vessels by using a quartz paste. After firing this produces bright colors and a lustrous sheen. The figurine is today exhibited at the Herakleion Archeological Museum in Crete. The snake's close connection with the Minoan house is believed to indicate that the goddesses shown in these figures are Household Goddesses.

While the idol's true function is somewhat unclear, her exposed and amplified breasts suggest that she is some sort of fertility figure. The serpent is often symbolically associated with the renewal of life because it sheds its skin periodically.

The image has been adopted by some contemporary feminists and Goddess worshipers as representing the psychic and spiritual power of women.

Other goddesses known to be associated with snakes are

  • The ancient Egyptian goddess Renenutet often appeared in the form of a hooded cobra.
  • The ancient Egyptian snake goddess Meretseger.
  • The goddess Wadjet, associated with the Lower Egyptian sanctuary of Buto.

Popular culture

The snake goddess was featured as part of the 2004 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony.

See also

  • Snake worship in Hindu mythology.
  • Gorgon - female monsters with sharp fangs and hair of living, venomous snakes in Greek mythology.





Unless indicated otherwise, the text in this article is either based on Wikipedia article "Minoan snake goddess figurines" or another language Wikipedia page thereof used under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License; or on research by Jahsonic and friends. See Art and Popular Culture's copyright notice.

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