This statue is a decorative reinterpretation of the famous Snake Goddess figurines discovered at the Palace of Knossos on the island of Crete, dating to the Minoan civilization of around 1600 BCE. The original faience figurines—among the most iconic artifacts of Minoan archaeology—depict a bare-breasted female figure holding a snake in each raised hand.
Scholars continue to debate the exact meaning of the original figures; interpretations range from a household or fertility deity to a priestess performing a ritual role. This piece draws on that rich archaeological history as a decorative art object rather than a claim to any specific religious or historical fact.
A striking addition to an altar, bookshelf, or curio display for anyone with an interest in ancient Mediterranean history and mythology.