Minoans

Minoan Symbols: The Labrys (Butterfly Axe)

/ Rei Arkangelakis / 6 Comments

A “Weapon” That’s Far From It

The double-bitted axe may look like a robust weapon to use in war (and it was in various areas of the world), but in ancient Crete, it mostly served as a sacred symbol. In fact, its main symbolism is the brink of creation, which is referred to as Mater-arche (“arche” means “beginning”). Interestingly, The Labrys (pelekus: πέλεκυς in Classical Greek) solely accompanied goddesses, never gods, and its spiritual significance can be confirmed by how often smaller versions were found alongside other religious objects. These little double axes were used as votive offerings. A less peaceful use for the so-called butterfly axe (often taller than an adult) was for bull sacrifice rituals conducted by priestesses.

Bronze votive double axe from the cave of Archalokori, Crete. Photo from Wikimedia Commons: Jebulon
Bronze votive double axe from the cave of Archalokori, Crete. Photo from Wikimedia Commons: Jebulon

A Timeless Symbol of Divine Feminine Power

Seeing as The Labrys was solely used by Minoan women and only depicted with mother goddesses, it encapsulated the sovereignty of the divine feminine and matriarchy. Although, it is posited that Minoan Crete was egalitarian and not a full-fledged matriarchal civilization. This powerful symbolism has carried on through the ages and wound up becoming one of Olympian god Zeus’ prime symbols in Greek mythology. In the present day, it’s a symbol of Hellenic polytheism.

Reconstructed fresco of a goddess holding a labrys in each hand and worshippers
Reconstructed fresco of a goddess holding a labrys in each hand and worshippers
Photo source

Conclusion

Much like the Horns of Consecration, the Labrys was an prevalent symbol throughout Minoan civilization. Not only were they created in numerous sizes with various materials like bronze, gold, or clay, but they were also carved in the outlines of the labyrinth at Knossos, as well as engraved on sealstones and painted on pottery.

Sources

Hellenica World: Labrys
Penn Museum: The Double Axe and Some Other Symbols
Symbol Sage: Labrys Symbol
*Featured photo credit: Votive double axes of gold sheet. Arkilochori Cave, 1700-1450 BC. Archaeological Museum of Heraklion. Found on Wikimedia Commons by Zde.

Minoan Symbols: Horns of Consecration 𓄋

/ Rei Arkangelakis / 3 Comments

The Symbol of Sanctity

Sacred bull horns (made of limestone or clay) were one of the primary symbols in Minoan culture. They could be found on rooftops, tombs, larnakes (coffins), shrines, temple entrances, sealstones—you name it! In some instances, the horns were depicted with flowers or the labrys (butterfly axe) in between them. They were clearly a notable part of daily life as much as they were a part of mystical rituals, which is why archaeologist Arthur Evans coined them as such.

Findings from post-palatial shrines on Crete. Horns of Consecration are on the upper left and right. Displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.
Findings from post-palatial shrines on Crete. Horns of Consecration are on the upper left and right. Displayed at the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion.

It has been suggested that the colossal horn sculptures atop buildings could have been used as frames for viewing stellar movement. However, one thing is for certain: these weren’t mere horns of a bull; they held religious significance—bulls in general were regarded as sacred animals to the Minoans and were integrated into most rituals.

Sacred Seat or Pot Holder… or Both?

Some scholars claim the larger Horns of Consecration served as honorary seats for royalty and/or deities. On the other hand, some scholars have had a more practical use in mind: perhaps the horns of lesser size were pot-support in a hearth. While a true consensus isn’t feasible, it would be safe to ascertain that these horns were in fact multi-functional.

The Bull Under The Sun

Another element of The Horns of Consecration are their potential solar quality (the sun was an equally important Minoan symbol). Many researchers like Emilia Banou (Faculty Member at University of the Peloponnese) propose that they are a sign of sun worship as posited in the following evidence:

  • a clay model of it on the peak sanctuary of Petsophas
  • astronomical research results from various other peak sanctuaries
  • a Goddess with Upraised Arms (pictured in the first photo in the upper center) alongside a clay model of Horns of Consecration were found at the Mycenaean cemetery of Tanagra

With Egyptian influence of Minoan culture being undeniable, such religious notions relay back to Ancient Egyptian symbols of both mountain and horizon, which ultimately have a solar basis.

Me by the Sacred Horns of Consecration outside the South Entrance (Propylaea) of Knossos back in 2011. Reconstructed by Arthur Evans.
Me by the Sacred Horns of Consecration outside the South Entrance (Propylaea) of Knossos back in 2011. Reconstructed by Arthur Evans.

Sources

Academia: Horns of Consecration
BYU Library Digital Collections: Minoan Symbols
*Featured photo from Wikimedia Commons by Afrathianakis Emmanouil
*First photo from Wikimedia Commons by Rda