The famous figurine of the Snake Goddess, made of painted faience, depicting a bare-breasted female figure, a goddess or a priestess. She is wearing rich garments, a long flounced skirt and an embroidered apron, a belt that highlights her narrow waist and a bodice open in front, leaving her full breasts uncovered. The coiling snakes she is holding in her outstretched hands and the small feline creature on her head suggest her dominion over wildlife. The emhasised breasts allude to her fertility attributes. The figurine was found in the Sanctuary Treasury at the palace of Knossos. Neopalatial Period 1600 BC (Heraklion Museum)

View from the central court

Miniature wall painting depicting a tripartite shrine and platforms of seating and standing female figures in front of a multitude of men and women gathered together. Neopalatial Period 1600 - 1500 BC (Heraklion Museum)