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Minoan Snake Goddess

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description Minoan Snake Goddess Overview

The Minoan Snake Goddess refers to faience figurines discovered in the temple repositories of the Knossos palace on Crete, dating to around 1600 BCE. The most famous statue depicts a female figure in traditional Minoan attire, confidently grasping a snake in each hand. Discovered by Arthur Evans, the figurines are believed to represent a prominent Minoan deity, a household goddess, or a high priestess. These original artifacts are displayed at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, providing valuable insight into Bronze Age Aegean religious symbols and practices.

help Minoan Snake Goddess FAQ

Who discovered the Minoan Snake Goddess figurines?

British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans discovered the most famous faience Snake Goddess figurines in 1903. He found them in the temple repositories of the sprawling Knossos palace complex on the island of Crete.

What materials were used to make the original Minoan Snake Goddess statues?

The most well-known statues of the Minoan Snake Goddess are made of faience, a type of glazed non-clay ceramic material. This technique gives the figurines their distinct, vibrant colors, including prominent gold leaf detailing on the original pieces.

Where can the original Minoan Snake Goddess figurines be seen today?

The original faience figurines of the Minoan Snake Goddess are housed in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in Crete. They date back to the Neopalatial period of the Minoan civilization, around 1600 BCE.

Are the Minoan Snake Goddess statues complete or partially restored?

The statues were found broken and have undergone significant reconstruction by archaeologists. Notably, much of the elaborate hat and the head of the most famous "votary" figure are modern restorations added by a sculptor named Halvor Bagge.

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