Women in the Aegean
Discussion Topics & Questions
Baring and Cashford
The Myth of the Goddess: Evolution of an Image
ISSUES
(Problems in interpretation and identification)
(p. 111) "The open bodice [of the Evans' "Snake Goddess"] with the bared breasts is eloquent of the gift of nurture, while the caduceus-like image of intertwined snakes on the belly suggests that the goddess whose womb gives forth and takes back life is experienced as a unity."
(p. 111) "The trance-like, almost mask-like, expression of these two goddesses composes a meditation upon this theme of regeneration."
(p. 111) "The lion cub that sits tamely on her head...." [The Votary]
(p. 112) "The net pattern on her skirt... suggests she is the weaver of the web of life, which is perpetually woven from her womb."
(p. 112) "Her skirt has seven layers, the number of the days of the moon's four quarters, which divide into two the waxing and waning halves of the cycle..."
Questions
(p. 111) "Is she [The Votary] a priestess or a goddess?"
Discuss
(p. 111) "Are these the snakes of life and death, which belong to her as a manifestation of her power to give and withdraw life?"
Discuss
Snakes, Egypt, Magic, & Women
snakes, or snake wands?
Discuss
Snake Charmers
'fertility idol' or women's health concerns?
Discuss
Matriliny in the Aegean Bronze Age
Was Minoan Crete a matrilineal society?
IMAGES OF WOMEN
IN ANCIENT ART
Chris Witcombe
Sweet Briar College