There's loads of breast and udder symbology in Minoan art, and it appears to represent the nurturing and nourishing aspects of the Mother, both human and divine (and non-human animal, such as cattle and goats). We take it as a symbol of comfort and security, that the Great Mothers will always care for us.
The term "fertility" has been dreadfully overused regarding ancient spirituality, mainly because the Victorian and Edwardian writers used that word because they weren't allowed to say "sex." 😂 Because honestly, that's what they were thinking of when they saw bare breasts and naked women in the art.
Thank you! The cat is actually a source of dispute. The figurine was found in fragmentary condition, with the head missing entirely - what you see in the photo above is an early 20th century reconstruction. The beret-style had and cat were found "nearby" (that's all the info that was in Sir Arthur Evans's notes, sadly). The cat and the hat (ha!) are clearly a pair, since the cat has a little tab on its base that slots neatly into a hole in the hat. But there's no way of knowing whether the cat/hat pair originally belonged to this figurine or to another artifact entirely. Evans decided that the cat and the hat belonged on this figurine, so that's how he had his workshop reconstruct it. And that's why we have a Snake Goddess with a cat on her head!
Very interesting, thank you. What is the significance of the prominent boobs? Fertility?
There's loads of breast and udder symbology in Minoan art, and it appears to represent the nurturing and nourishing aspects of the Mother, both human and divine (and non-human animal, such as cattle and goats). We take it as a symbol of comfort and security, that the Great Mothers will always care for us.
The term "fertility" has been dreadfully overused regarding ancient spirituality, mainly because the Victorian and Edwardian writers used that word because they weren't allowed to say "sex." 😂 Because honestly, that's what they were thinking of when they saw bare breasts and naked women in the art.
Yes, they have a lot to answer for!
Okay, I'll ask the obvious. What's with the cat on her head? Love this reconstruction your Tribe is doing.
Thank you! The cat is actually a source of dispute. The figurine was found in fragmentary condition, with the head missing entirely - what you see in the photo above is an early 20th century reconstruction. The beret-style had and cat were found "nearby" (that's all the info that was in Sir Arthur Evans's notes, sadly). The cat and the hat (ha!) are clearly a pair, since the cat has a little tab on its base that slots neatly into a hole in the hat. But there's no way of knowing whether the cat/hat pair originally belonged to this figurine or to another artifact entirely. Evans decided that the cat and the hat belonged on this figurine, so that's how he had his workshop reconstruct it. And that's why we have a Snake Goddess with a cat on her head!
Very insightful post. I am learning so much about the Minoans from your posts. Thank you!
I'm glad you're enjoying them! I always enjoy learning about a wide variety of spiritual paths, so I figure maybe other people do, too.