Mycenaean cult pottery coiled snake, 1250 -1180 BC . Mycenae Temple, room 19. Archaeological site Museum Mycenae. As this curled terracotta snake repr
Mycenaean cult pottery coiled snake, 1250 -1180 BC . Mycenae Temple, room 19. Archaeological site Museum Mycenae. As this curled terracotta snake represbtation was found in Mycenae Temple that it was a cult figure or voitive offering. The Minoans worshipped a snake goddess so it is not unreasonable to assume the Mycenaeans did the same. The terra-cotta models of painted snakes were found in the cult center of Mycenae and the motif of snakes appear among the decoration of vessels for funeral cult from the Late Mycenaean cemeteries in the mainland and in the islands of Rhodes, Kos and Cyprus. It is not known exactly the attributes associated by Mycenaens to the snake but the attributes associated with smakes by later Greek civilisations may give a clue. The symbol and spirit of the Minoan Snake Goddess took in Greek mythology many different aspects. The snake had a protective and beneficial role on the shield of Athena; it represented the chthonic power connected with the Goddess of Earth; it was the attribute of Asclepius, probably due to its knowledge of the herb of rebirth, resurrection and eternal youth, and generally it was the symbol of superhuman power of the god. But the snake also had negative role as an originator of the death and as an avenger in the company of mythical creatures.
Size: 9000px × 6400px
Location: Mycenae Archaeological Site Museum
Photo credit: © funkyfood London - Paul Williams / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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