Discovered in 1903 by Sir Arthur Evans in the Temple Repositories of Knossos, these figurines date back to 1600 BCE, during the Late Minoan I period. Their purpose remains debated—were they representations of a goddess, priestesses performing rituals, or protective household idols?

Evans himself believed these figures to be divine representations, linking them to the Egyptian goddess Wadjet, the Phrygian Cybele, and even Artemis of Ephesus. However, modern interpretations offer a more nuanced view, suggesting they could also symbolize women’s rites of passage, healing, or the power of nature.

Regardless of their precise meaning, the Minoan Snake Goddesses stand as powerful emblems of a lost world, reflecting the deep religious and artistic sophistication of Bronze Age Crete.

Discovery and Description

The first of the Snake Goddesses figurines were found by Arthur Evans in 1903 in a small underground chamber at Knossos Palace, known as the Temple Repositories. This space was filled with broken cult objects, suggesting that these items were ritually “retired” rather than discarded.

The two best-known figurines are now displayed at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum:

1. The Smaller Snake Goddess (29.5 cm tall)

• The most famous of the two, wearing a tight-fitting bodice with exposed breasts and a bell-shaped skirt with layered flounces.
• She holds two snakes aloft, symbolizing renewal, regeneration, and divine connection.
• Her headpiece features a small feline (possibly a panther or cat), reinforcing her dominance over nature.
• Her bulging eyes and intense gaze suggest ecstasy or trance, perhaps linked to religious rituals.

2. The Larger Snake Goddess (34.3 cm tall)

• Less detailed, but similar in style, also featuring raised arms gripping snakes.
• More robust in shape, possibly a priestess or another divine representation.
• Unlike the smaller figure, she does not wear a headdress, emphasizing her focus on snake symbolism alone.

These figures were crafted from faience, a glass-like material also used in Egyptian religious artifacts, reinforcing the idea that they were sacred objects.

Symbolism and Religious Meaning of the Snake Goddesses figurines

The Snake Goddesses figurines are deeply rooted in Minoan religious beliefs, symbolizing fertility, life cycles, and divine protection. Their meaning can be explored through several interpretations:

1. Fertility and Renewal

• The exposed breasts suggest a connection to fertility, motherhood, and the life-giving forces of nature.
• The snake, often associated with rebirth due to shedding its skin, represents renewal, transformation, and immortality.
• Some scholars believe these figures were used in fertility rituals, possibly linked to pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.

2. Chthonic (Underworld) Symbolism

• Snakes are often seen as creatures of the earth, connecting them to chthonic deities and the afterlife.
• In Minoan religion, the snake may have served as a guardian spirit, protecting homes and sanctuaries from harm.
• The coiling motion of the snakes mirrors ritualistic movements seen in other ancient cultures, emphasizing spiritual transformation.

3. The Mistress of Animals

• The feline figure on the smaller goddess’s head suggests she may have been a protector of wild animals, similar to later depictions of Artemis or Cybele.
• This reinforces the idea of a nature goddess who governed both life and death, ensuring harmony in the natural world.

4. Link to Other Cultures

• Arthur Evans compared the Snake Goddesses figurines to Egypt’s Wadjet, the cobra deity associated with protection and divine wisdom.
• Some scholars draw parallels with the Phrygian Cybele, the Great Mother goddess connected to nature and fertility.
• Others believe she foreshadows Artemis of Ephesus, whose multi-breasted statues symbolize abundance and motherhood.

The Snake Goddess in Minoan Society

While many believe the Snake Goddess represents a deity, others suggest she could be a priestess engaged in sacred rites. The lack of written records makes it difficult to confirm, but possible interpretations include:

• Household protector: Some believe these figurines were placed in homes as guardian deities, ensuring fertility, health, and prosperity.
• Religious leader: Others argue that they depict Minoan priestesses in the act of handling sacred snakes during ceremonies.
• Symbol of women’s power: The imagery could reflect women’s central role in Minoan religious and social life, reinforcing the idea of a matriarchal society.

Regardless of their exact function, the Snake Goddesses figurines reinforce the idea of a strong female presence in Minoan spirituality, making them some of the most iconic representations of the ancient Aegean world.

Conclusion

The Minoan Snake Goddesses figurines stands as one of the most compelling artifacts of ancient Crete, embodying the mysticism, artistry, and spiritual depth of the Bronze Age Aegean world.

Whether she was a goddess, a priestess, or a household protector, she symbolizes life, fertility, and transformation, her snakes weaving a story of renewal and eternal cycles. Though the Minoan civilization has long disappeared, the Snake Goddess remains, her eyes locked in an eternal gaze, reminding us of a time when women, nature, and divinity were deeply intertwined.