The goddess with the raised hands

The female figurines representing the Minoan goddess are rendered in an extremely stylized manner in accordance with the artistic spirit of the period: the bodies are lifeless , the skirts simple cylinders and the poses stereotyped.

All the figures have raised hands , hence the name usually given to this type of figurine: the goddess with the raised hands. The gesture perhaps indicates that the goddess is giving a greeting , or a blessing or is praying , ot it may symbolize her appearance on earth in human form.

On the heads of the figures there are various symbols, such as horns of consecration , birds and the seeds of opium poppies.

Please see here Minoan Goddess of nature mother earth knossos Greek terracotta sculpture decor museum copy