A Minoan Snake Goddess

Bronze
Crete, Minoan, LM ib Period, ca.1500-1450 BC
H. 8.6cm

A Minoan bronze votary of the so called “Snake Goddess” type, solid cast by the lost wax process. The hollow oscillating skirt is encircled with snakes, which she holds grasps with each hand. Voluptuous, well-defined breasts, hair braided in a long plait. A very individual figurine in its own right.

Accompanied by a Metallurgical report and expertise by IfZAA Institute, Basel, dated 29.04.2006 and 28.08.2006

Cf. C. Verlinden, Les statuettes anthropomorphes crétoises en bronzes et en plomb, du IIIe millénaire au VIIe siècle av. J.-C. (Providence 1984)

Condition: Brown patina with reddish and green areas; corrosion material throughout. Intact.

Provenance: With Bonhams, London by 1994.

Item reference: CL0083