 
Hera of the Birds is an aspect of Hera as a Potnia Theron, or 'Mistress of Animals'. The imagery is after a ninth-century urn from Knossos which depicts a winged Goddess of the seasons arriving on a wheeled cart on one side, and departing on the other. In both images She is flanked by plants; the springtime ones are unfurling while the autumnal ones wilt, and in both there are birds, perhaps ducks or geese. I have interpreted them as male and female mallard ducks. Done as a commission. |