Cretan Goddess in Many Forms
The Cave of Eileithyia has been a sanctuary since neolithic times. The wall surrounding the woman-like statactite dates much later, but was built in ancient times. Many offerings were left in this cave consecrated to the Goddess of Birth.
The famous neolithic statuette from Kato Ierapetra ("Holy Stone").
Detail from amphora showing labrys with rosettes. The pot lugs appear as ears flanking the symbol of the Cretan goddess.
Clay shrine painted with spiralling key pattern and chevrons, with goddess or priestess inside. On the roof a couple makes love beside a cat. Arkhanes, Crete, c. 1100.
Bronze shield from the Idaean Cave circa 700s BCE. The Mistress of Animlas stands grasping a lion in either hand. The Idaean Mother was venerated all over the Mediterranean by Roman times.
