The Shrine of Eileithyia

Minoan Goddess of Childbirth and Motherhood, at the Inatos Cave: Volume II: The Pottery and Figurines

edited by Philip P. Betancourt and Kanta Athanasia

Book cover: The Shrine of Eileithyia

Extent: 362 pages

Publisher: INSTAP Academic Press

Subjects: Anthropology, Art & Art History, Mediterranean Archaeology

Series: Prehistory Monographs

Series volume number: 74

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(December 2024)

ISBN: 9781931534406

Price: $95.00

In stock

PDF (Published)

(December 2024)

ISBN: 9781623034450

8.46 x 10.98 inches

Price: $76.00

This book presents the pottery and the clay and metal sculptures dedicated to the deity Eileithyia in her shrine at Inatos, in southern Crete. This is the second of three planned volumes on this assemblage of specialized gifts to a unique goddess. It follows the Egyptiaka from the shrine that were published in volume I. The clay vessels are discussed by periods, from the Minoan to the Roman Imperial era. Clay figurines are divided by classes. Separate chapters describe models and other items of clay, including boat models, a ring-shaped frieze of dancing warriors, animal figurines, and Roman lamps. Highlights of this important assemblage of votive objects include about 200 Minoan miniature vessels and many small sculptures from the Late Geometric to Archaic periods, including seated pairs of female figurines in preparation for childbirth, sexually embracing couples, and a boat model with standing female figures on the gunwales accompanying a fetus traveling in the vessel.

  • Edited by Kanta Athanasia
  • Edited by Philip P. Betancourt