Basket shaped Vessel with double axes - Minoan - Special Palatial Tradition-Pseira 1800 BC - Heraklion Archaeological Museum - Ceramic Vase

Item Specifics

Condition: New, Handmade in Greece.
Material: Clay
Height: 23 cm - 9,1 inches
Width: 13 cm - 5,1 inches
Length: 10 cm - 3,9 inches
Weight: 750 g

The Minoan civilization was a Bronze Age Aegean civilization on the island of Crete and other Aegean Islands, flourishing from c. 3000 BC to c. 1450 BC and, after a late period of decline, finally ending around 1100 BC. It represents the first advanced civilization in Europe, leaving behind massive building complexes, tools, artwork, writing systems, and a massive network of trade. The civilization was rediscovered at the beginning of the 20th century through the work of British archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans. The name "Minoan" derives from the mythical King Minos and was coined by Evans, who identified the site at Knossos with the labyrinth and the Minotaur. The Minoan civilization has been described as the earliest of its kind in Europe, and historian Will Durant called the Minoans "the first link in the European chain".
Double Axe or Labrys is asymmetric double-headed ritual axe that is one of the holiest Cretan religious symbols. It is also known as Labyris, Sagarus, and Halbryce. The term ‘Labrys’ traces its roots to the Latin word ‘labus’, which means ‘lips’. So, the symbol is said to denote a part of the female genitalia, labia that is the entrance of womb. Its symbolism is also linked directly with the Labyrinth, which originally denotes the Palace of Knossos in the city of Crete. Alternately, Labrys is believed to have been derived from the Lydian word for axe.
The closest association of the Labrys is with the ancient Minoan civilization where it was used as a symbol of the Mother Goddess and was representative of authority. It was also seen as symbolic of a butterfly, signifying transformation and rebirth. This double axe was depicted mostly in the hands of women and came to be connected with the male gods long after the decline of Minoan civilization.