The Minoan Snake Tube: A Survey and Catalogue

Two relatively recent excavations have uncovered tubular objects which contribute to our understanding of the Minoan snake tube—a tubular vessel with serpentine handles. The snake tubes from Kannia near Gortyn provide new evidence for the use and date of this type of object, while the LM IB tubes from Pyrgos near Myrtos shed light on its origin. Several tubes from Kannia and Prinias are published here for the first time as well as new information about the tubes from Koumasa and Kephala Khondrou. After an individual discussion of each existing tube and a general discussion of the previously suggested origins and uses, the following conclusions have been reached: (1) the tubes are a Post-Palatial development of the LM IB tubes from Pyrgos, Myrtos; (2) the tubes served as stands for offering bowls; (3) they were placed on the floor in front of the cult bench which supported the figures of the goddess with up-raised hands. The photographs of all the tubes are new; drawings have been included for several Kannia tubes.