Minoan Thera Wallpainting Exhibition: Young Priestess, 17th C. BCE
“The West House Room 5, south-east portal, east door jamb H: 1.51 / W: 0.35 m
A young female figure wearing a long robe is depicted as if she is about to enter room 5. Her head is almost entirely shaven (blue) and crowned with a snake-like band; her lips and ears are painted in red. In her left hand, she holds a fire-box which appears to be lit and with her right hand, she adds incense to the fire.
The most striking element of this wall-painting is the yellow-reddish saffron colour of her robe. Saffron, as a colouring agent, was used throughout antiquity as a clothing dye. Such garments were normally reserved for people of high status. Saffron was probably derived locally and is an enduring theme and colour throughout the wall-paintings.”
