Tag: divine feminine
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Ancient Enthroned Goddess
During the second half of the 6th century B.C., indigenous peoples of Sicily were beginning to mingle more with the Greek colonists. Evidence of this can be seen in artwork such as this terracotta enthroned goddess, which once had a child in her lap. Found near Grammichele, historians recognize this work as being created by…
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Contemporary Art for an Ancient Icon
The spectacular and colorful Sanctuary, “il Santuario della Madonna del Tindari,” was built in the 20th century to accommodate the flow of pilgrims coming to see the iconic statue of Tindari’s “Madonna Bruna” or Black Madonna. This mural is from the dome above the church’s main altar. September 8 is the feast day in honor…
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Celebrating the Black Madonna of Tindari
Thousands of pilgrims are expected on Monday, September 7 at the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna of Tindari. The town of Patti is even planning to close down one side of State Highway 113 to accommodate all the devotees expected to participate in the multiple masses, the solemn evening procession of the iconic Madonna Nera…
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Black Madonna at Castellamare del Golfo
Tucked away near the castle that gives Castellamare del Golfo its name is the Chiesa di Maria SS del Rosario, which is believed to have been built in such a secluded corner during the Norman era, circa 1100, to hide it from invading pirates. Inside is this alter devoted to the Madonna dell’Agnuni, or Madonna…
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She was Popular
Sicily’s archaeological museums are full of terracotta statuettes of goddesses, many of which represent Demeter. Like these pictured here, the goddess of the grain, agriculture, and fertility is portrayed sitting on a throne with her cylindrical headdress (called a polos) and rows of pendants upon her breast. These from Agrigento’s museum are dated to the…
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Folk Altar
Altar for the Madonna, Taormina.
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We’re Waiting for Her
Terracotta statuette of Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, from Morgantina’s North Sanctuary, c.300 BC.
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Hail Demeter, Hail Kore
Demeter and Kore-Persephone were fervently venerated in Sicily in ancient times. This exhibit from the Regional Archaeological Museum at Aidone features two acroliths (That is, sculptures that have been constructed of stone, such as marble, and other materials, such as, in this case, iron, and draped with fabric) most likely depicting the mother goddess and…
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Ancient Ballerina
Dancing women figurines from the 3rd century, BC; from Siracusa’s Museo Archeologico regionale “Paolo Orsi.”