Think Greek

I've had Ancient Greece much on my mind of late- ok, it's often on my mind but significantly more so recently. There is such rich archaeology to be studied and discovered that it holds me spellbound. I was graciously gifted with a bounty of serpent treasure by my friend Erika at Kika's Fancy and though I felt like I had a thousand ideas, I was having a terrible time putting anything "right" together. Then a muse smacked me in the head and I had it. Inspired by the Snake Goddess figurines uncovered at Knossos, Crete, snake vertebrae ear adornments heavy with imagery... Minoan Relic Earrings.

Shortly after I finished another pair in this series, I came across two archaeology articles about Crete, both stunning and spectacular in their own right.

It seems that recent excavations have provided evidence of not only very early habitation of the island, but also the ability of pre humans to have used sea travel incredibly earlier than previously thought. The earliest maritime voyagers were placed at 60,000 years ago, but these stone tools on Crete have been dated to at least 130,000 years ago, and possibly much earlier than that. (Click here for a wonderfully bookish article on the subject.)

Additionally, deliciously, new areas have been excavated at Eleutherna, Crete which have uncovered enormous urn burials and a monument tomb of a dynasty of priestesses. These womens' remains are familial; there was a 200 year matrilineal bloodline interred and a wealth of grave goods, including ritual implements of enormous value even at that time, the 8th century BC. This was touted as one of archaeology's top 10 finds for 2009.

This is a Greek terracotta applique of a Gorgon, found at Ancient Touch. She has wings and snakes on her head, pink pigment on her lips and blue on her eyes. Only 3.4", from the 2nd century BC.

Minoan Snake Goddess, 1600 BCE, Knossos, Crete