Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). <em>Snake Goddess Place Setting</em>, 1974–1979. Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, Japanese cord, Maltese silk thread, DMC cotton embroidery floss, thread
Plate:Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), rainbow overglaze, gold metallic glaze, Runner: 51 1/2 x 31 in. (130.8 x 78.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-5. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-5_plate_PS9.jpg)

Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). Snake Goddess Place Setting, 1974–1979. Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, Japanese cord, Maltese silk thread, DMC cotton embroidery floss, thread Plate:Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), rainbow overglaze, gold metallic glaze, Runner: 51 1/2 x 31 in. (130.8 x 78.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-5. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-5_plate_PS9.jpg)

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Can you tell me about the Snake Goddess?

This place setting is based on two statuettes that were discovered on Crete. They depict female figures holding snakes. The statuettes were identified as a “Mother Goddess” and a “Priestess.” They became iconic images of Minoan civilization as soon as they were published.

Who dis?

Dis da Snake Goddess. She is a deity represented by statuettes from ancient Crete, attributed to the Minoan people.

Word.

Not much is really known about the goddess or the role that she played in the pantheon, but the imagery and idea of powerful goddesses were very popular in the 1970s when The Dinner Party was created. Judy's intention was to point to societies and eras where women were respected and worshipped.

Did the snake goddess somehow influence the story of the garden of Eden?

The Snake Goddess refers to a figurine that was excavated in Knossos, Crete (capital of the Minoans). This figurine wears an elaborate flounced skirt, has large, bare breasts, snakes in each hand, and a feline creature on her head.

Her attributes have been interpreted as indicators of fertility and dominion over wildlife. Unfortunately, the Minoan language hasn't been translated, so we know very little of their worship practices!

Snake Goddess Place Setting

Judy Chicago

Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

On View: Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, 4th Floor

ARTIST Judy Chicago, American, born 1939

MEDIUM Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, Japanese cord, Maltese silk thread, DMC cotton embroidery floss, thread Plate:Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), rainbow overglaze, gold metallic glaze

DATES 1974–1979

DIMENSIONS Runner: 51 1/2 x 31 in. (130.8 x 78.7 cm) Plate:15 x 14 x 1 in. (38.1 x 35.6 x 2.5 cm) (show scale)

COLLECTIONS Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art

ACCESSION NUMBER 2002.10-PS-5

CREDIT LINE Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation

EXHIBITIONS

MUSEUM LOCATION This item is on view in Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, 4th Floor

CAPTION Judy Chicago (American, born 1939). Snake Goddess Place Setting, 1974–1979. Runner:Cotton/linen base fabric, woven interface support material (horsehair, wool, and linen), cotton twill tape, silk, synthetic gold cord, Japanese cord, Maltese silk thread, DMC cotton embroidery floss, thread Plate:Porcelain with overglaze enamel (China paint), rainbow overglaze, gold metallic glaze, Runner: 51 1/2 x 31 in. (130.8 x 78.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of The Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10-PS-5. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 2002.10-PS-5_plate_PS9.jpg)

IMAGE overall, 2002.10-PS-5_plate_PS9.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2013

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