Minoan Wall Painting of Pseira, Crete

Bernice Jones presents evidence for restoring the fragmentary painting from Pseira, using accurately scaled records of the fragments. The book reveals a large-scale goddess facing a smaller suppliant in a presentation scene on an in-curved altar platform. The painted garments are translated into modern cloth replicas that adorn live models posing as goddess and suppliant. Virtually restored to the east wall of Room 6, the goddess positively identifies the building as the religious centre of the community. The painting’s Knossian style and technique, along with imported Knossian ritual vessels, argue for a strong Knossian religious presence at Pseira; religious processions probably culminated at the shrine to present offerings to the goddess. See more