Archaeological Museum of Heraklion:
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. 1650-1550 B.C
Someone asked how tall the right top figure is, if I remember correctly, it’s a bit shorter than 30 cm.
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