The Shrine of Eileithyia, Minoan Goddess of Childbirth and Motherhood at the Inatos Cave in Southern Crete Volume II

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.