guided tour of paleolithic and neolithic art goddess

Guided Tour of Paleolithic and Neolithic Art Goddess Rattles

The joy of showing the art and appreciating it

Sharing maps of where it is from

Martin CJ Mongiello


“From Upper Paleolithic times the tri-lines occur independently on Neolithic seals, figurines and vases in the culture groups of Old Europe. The most expressive renderings of tri-lines are found on friezes ornamenting Cucuteni vases or on the interior of dishes. The tri-line is associated with energy symbols like the Whirl. Associations with the symbolism of "beginning" and "becoming". Cucuteni, NE Romania 3800-3600 B.C.”

The Language of the Goddess, Marija Gimbutas Pg. 89-93

Goddess Rattles May 15, 2010 http://goddessrattles.com

This rattle is actually new and can be ordered but offers a twist on this assignment of copied old world art offered today in modern times. Amazing! I found clay mediums and wood or even stretched cow leather would work here. From there you could utilize mediums of carving or painting. Also, dyeing would work but would be the most difficult. The swirls offer motion, yet here, it is not congruent or flowing. The motions crash and conflict.


“The significance of the egg is clear from the earliest stages of the Neolithic in Europe and Anatolia.The symbolism of the egg bears not so much upon birth as upon rebirth modeled on the repeated creation of the world. There are several categories of egg symbolism. The first comprises the Bird carrying the cosmogonic egg, the second links the egg with water, and the third with spirals, crescents, horns, whirls, crosses, X's, snakes,and sprouting plants. Helladic and Minoan vases, where a bird carries an egg, usually red, in her belly.Middle Helladic Asine, Greece; early 2nd mill. B.C.”



Not only did I see the bird on this carved gourd but I also see a contorted animal. We have many painted gourds around here in Charlotte. It is a popular Indian pastime here.


“The Double Axe of the Bronze Age was originally an hourglass-shaped Goddess of Death and regeneration. The butterfly is the embodiment of the principle of Transformation. In Minoan art, a harmonious context is consistently provided for the butterfly symbol by its association with signs of becoming. Epiphany of the Goddess as a butterfly is represented by abstract figures. Late Minoan, S. Crete c. 1400 B.C.”

The Language of the Goddess, Marija Gimbutas Pg. 273


Here great equilibriums are achieved. I hope the reader does not mind seeing modern art sharing old world artifacts. For me it is a beautiful way to share art with others!

Where else can you do that at! Most of the time it is precious and touch is forbidden without arrest.

When an artist takes the past and allows it to be handled with bare hands in the present it becomes a true gift to enjoy. Such is the case with this double axe on natural dried gourd. Many would find this art to be ridiculous – but where I am from it is prized to decorate gourds.


“Symbols that fight stagnation and promote the continuation and perpetual renewal of the cosmic cycle are at the very heart of the Old European farmer's ideology. Whirling signs seem to ensure a smooth transition from one phase to the next, from one cardinal direction to another.These signs represent life and time. Four-fold designs are often composed of a central circle with four circles or loops around it, suggesting concepts of the center as cosmic source and of the unification of opposites. Rakhmani,Thesaly, end of 5th mill.B.C.”



This gourd showcases true flow, equilibrium, perfect shapes and joy. For only happiness can come out of true balance. Even the hourglasses were perfectly rotated inside the black worlds.


“To express intensification, the cultures of Old Europe used images of doubles to indicate progressive duplication and hence potency or abundance. This can be seen in the frequent use of double images of caterpillars or crescents, spirals, snakes, birds and even goddesses. Double Snakes or nautili are common on ivory seals from tholos tombs. Middle Minoan, Crete, early 2nd mill. B.C.”



I found this interestingly used on many tombs like that of the Tholos tombs. I have included a photo of a tomb below. The issue ofpotency is interesting. TheIssue of snakes being usedIs not so widely acceptedIn modern times.


“From Upper Paleolithic times the tri-lines occur independently on Neolithic seals, figurines and vases in the culture groups of Old Europe. The most expressive renderings of tri-lines are found on friezes ornamenting Cucuteni vases or on the interior of dishes. This Tri-line alternates with crescents. Symbols of the moon phases, time, "beginning" and "becoming. Notice the V-motifs or chevrons. Late Cucuteni, NE Romania 3700-3500 B.C.”

The Language of the Goddess, Marija Gimbutas Pg. 89-93”


I found the swirling patterns to be mesmerizing as well as pretty. It is interesting to discuss the mediums that could be used of either wood or clay for this piece. The minor addition of color really sets the piece off around the handle.

guided tour of paleolithic and neolithic art goddess

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