Minoan Wall Painting of Pseira, Crete

This study presents evidence for restoring the fragmentary painting from the islet of Pseira, located just off the northeastern coast of Crete. It argues against previous reconstructions, finding errors including ignoring the fragments' scales. With the fragments' scales accurately recorded, the study reveals a large-scale goddess facing a smaller suppliant in a presentation scene on an incurved altar platform. The reconstruction is based on examinations, drawings and photographs taken to scale of the fragments and digital imaging. The painted garments are translated into modern cloth replicas that adorn live models that pose as goddess and suppliant. Virtually restored to the east wall of Room 6, the goddess positively establishes the building already conjectured as a shrine and identifies it as the religious centre of the community. The painting's Knossian style and technique, and imported Knossian ritual vessels, argue for a strong Knossian religious presence at Pseira. Religious processions likely culminated at the shrine to present offerings to the goddess.