Minoan Snake Goddess
1600 b.c. - 13" tall, on a marble base
Item #S42

The original is in the Heraklion Museum, in Crete. Discovered by Sir Arthur Evans in the ruins of the Palace of Knossos, the so-called “Snake Goddess” is probably in fact a priestess of the goddess. Her typical Minoan open bolero and tiered skirt of the every day women are in stark contrast to her elaborate headdress with a representation of an animal. The strength and power this figurine represents is a good example of the esteem in which women in general seem to have been held in Minoan Crete. The Snake Goddess may be an evolution of the Earth Mother/Goddess who has rule over all creatures of the earth and sky, hence the ability to charm snakes and have animals rest on her head.