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Table of Contents
Introduction
One of the most intriguing artifacts from Minoan Crete is the Goddess with Upraised Hands, a terracotta figurine found in various sanctuaries across the island. These figurines, dating to the Late Minoan III period (1400–1100 BCE), depict a female deity with raised arms, possibly symbolizing a greeting, blessing, or divine presence.
Some figurines, like the famous Poppy Goddess from Gazi, feature poppy seedheads, linking them to sleep, death, and fertility cults. The symbolism, craftsmanship, and religious significance of these figurines offer a fascinating glimpse into Minoan spirituality and its influence on later Greek traditions.
Discovery and Description
Archaeological Context
- Date: Late Minoan III (1400–1100 BCE)
- Primary location: Found in sanctuaries at Gazi, Knossos, Gournia, Myrtos, Gortys, and Prinias
- Current location: Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Physical Features
Material: Terracotta
Construction method:
- Cylindrical skirt (wheel-made)
- Hand-formed upper body and arms
Typical attributes:
- Raised hands with open palms
- Head adorned with symbolic elements (diadems, birds, horns of consecration, poppy seedheads)
Some have holes in the head and ears, possibly for ritual use or practical firing
The “Poppy Goddess” and Symbolism
The Poppy Goddess, a Goddess with Upraised Hands from Gazi, is named for the poppy seedheads rising from her diadem. Poppies had deep symbolic meaning in the ancient world:
- Sleep and death: Linked to hypnotic and narcotic effects of opium
- Resurrection and fertility: Associated with Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and the Eleusinian Mysteries
- Religious and healing properties: Used in Minoan and later Greek rituals
The Greek poet Theocritus describes Demeter as a poppy-bearing goddess, showing a possible continuity between Minoan and later Greek religious beliefs.
Religious Significance
Gesture of Raised Hands
The arms of the Goddess with Upraised Hands are believed to represent:
- Invocation of the divine (calling upon a deity)
- Blessing or greeting the worshippers
- Epiphany – the goddess manifesting in human form
This gesture is common in Minoan and Mycenaean religious iconography, appearing on:
- Frescoes and signet rings
- Gold rings from Mycenae showing seated goddesses holding poppies
Role in Worship
- Found in public sanctuaries, indicating their role as votive offerings
- Likely placed in household shrines as well, reflecting personal devotion
- Some figurines may have been used in fertility or agricultural rituals
Mycenaean Influence on Minoan Figurines
After the Mycenaean conquest of Crete (c. 1450 BCE), Minoan religious practices began to reflect Mycenaean artistic and theological influences:
- More rigid and stylized figures replaced earlier fluid Minoan forms
- Figurines were found in both palace and non-palace shrines, suggesting broader religious participation
- Some figures bear horns of consecration, a religious symbol common in both Minoan and Mycenaean art
Archaeological and Cultural Legacy of the Goddess with Upraised Hands
The Goddess with Upraised Hands figurines are considered precursors to later Greek goddesses, such as:
- Demeter (goddess of agriculture and fertility)
- Rhea (Cretan mother goddess)
- Cybele (Phrygian mother goddess, later worshipped in Greece and Rome)
The continuity of religious motifs suggests that Minoan religious traditions influenced later Greek rituals, including the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Conclusion
The Goddess with Upraised Hands figurines offer valuable insight into Minoan spirituality and religious practices. Their raised arms, head adornments, and presence in sanctuaries suggest roles in worship, fertility rituals, and divine manifestation.
The Poppy Goddess of Gazi, linked to opium, sleep, and death, connects Minoan religion to later Greek cults like Demeter and the Eleusinian Mysteries. These figurines are iconic symbols of Minoan devotion, reflecting the spiritual and artistic legacy of Minoan Crete.