Prehistoric Aegean

Snake Goddess 

From Palace at Knossos

1600 B.C.E. (Greece)

 

In the Prehistoric Aegean period, temples or large monumental structures of Gods were not built, in contrast to the Mesopotamia and Egyptian times. What remains of the Prehistoric Aegean deity are rather small sculptures. 

The Snake Goddess is one of the few finds at the palace of Knossos (Crete) in Greece. It is a striking work of art made out of low-fired opaque glasslike silicate (faience). This piece of art shows the dominant Minoan features of naturalism and grace. The front portion of the figure is similar to Egyptian and Near Eastern statuary, but the costume (with its open bodice and flounced skirt) is distinctly Minoan. 

At first scholars thought this figurine to be one that represents a mortal attendant rather than one of deity. However, the exposed breasts suggests that this figurine stand in a long line of fertility images usually considered divinities. A conclusion was made that if the statuette represents a goddess, then it is yet another example of how human beings fashion their gods in their own image.   

The Knossos Goddess holds snakes in her hands and also supports a leopard-like feline on her head. This implied power over the animal world, also appropriate for a deity. As one of the Minoan divinities, she was closely associated with the snake cult. She is also called the Household Goddess due to her attribute of the snake, which is connected with welfare of the Minoan house. The snake is also a symbol of the underworld deity, so the Snake Goddess is related to chthonic aspects as well. I don't like the idea of a goddess standing for two oppositions, so as far as I'm concerned she was had nothing to do with the underworld, that was just a  misconception among the "fallen" people.