Snake Goddess describes a number of figurines of a woman holding a serpent in each hand found during excavation of Minoan archaeological sites in Crete dating from approximately 1600 BCE. By implication, the term 'goddess' also describes the deity depicted; although little more is known about her identity apart from that gained from the figurines. The 'Snake Goddess' figure first discovered was found by the BritisharchaeologistArthur Evans in 1903. The figurine found by Arthur Evans uses the faience technique, for glazing earthenware and other ceramic vessels by using a quartz paste. After firing this produces bright colors and a lustrous sheen. The figurine is today exibited at the Herakleion Archeological Museum in Crete. The snake's close connection with the Minoan house is believed to indicate that the goddesses shown in these figures are Household Goddesses.
While the idol's true function is somewhat unclear, her exposed and amplified breasts suggest that she is some sort of fertility figure. The serpent is often associated with the renewal of life because it sheds its skin periodically. Throughout history, snakes have also been associated with male fertility.citation needed
The image has been adopted by some contemporary feminists and Goddess worshipers as representing the psychic and spiritual power of women.
Other goddesses known to be associated with snakes are
The ancient Egyptian goddess Renenutet often appeared in the form of a hooded cobra.
The goddess Wadjet, associated with the Lower Egyptian sanctuary of Buto.
While the goddess' name is unknown, some have speculated it may have been "Ariadne," since that name may mean "the very holy one," and thus the Ariadne of Greek myth may be the Snake Goddess, "reduced in legend to a folklore heroine."[1]
^ Powell, Barry B. Classical Myth. Second ed. With new translations of ancient texts by Herbert M. Howe. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1998, p. 368.
Minoan Snake Goddess essay by Christopher L. C. E. Witcombe originally in Images Of Women In Ancient Art - Accessed July 2006
Minoan Snake Goddess by Dr Alena Trckova-Flamee, Ph.D. Encyclopedia Mythica - Accessed July 2006
