Kiss My Axe

The History of the Ancient Labrys

The labrys is a double headed axe that was used by ancient women as either a sacred ceremonial object, formidable weapon, or agricultural tool. It represents female strength, rebirth, and fertility. Only women carried the labrys. The word "labrys" is from the same root as the Latin word labus, or lips, and is Minoan in origin. According to historical records, the term and the symbol is most closely associated with the Minoan civilization which flourished in the 16th century B.C. Most archaeologists agree that in many ways the Minoan civilization with its advanced technical achievements in architecture, the arts, and skilled crafts rivaled, or exceeded those of contemporaneous Egypt and Mesopotamian culture. Women were an integral part of Minoan art and religion. Ancient Crete was centered on worship of the Mother Goddess and the Minoans were a peaceful people. The feminine influence can be seen in wall paintings, the architecture, and artifacts that depict ceremonies connected with female deities. Images of the labrys often appear in temples, tombs, and crypts. Minoan priestesses used the double-axe specifically for ceremonial purposes, and the possession of one was a sign of a woman's status and prestige. In Minoan culture, the labrys was often mounted between bull horns. The matriarchal leaning Cretans made the double axe in various sizes, from small ornamental jewelry to nine foot tall labyrs which stood at the ends of altars.

In addition, the labrys can be seen in ancient Greek mythology. The goddess of the earth and agriculture, Demeter, used a labrys as her scepter. The goddess Demeter was thought to influence the fertility of the land and the life sustaining crops people depended upon. Certain rites associated with the worship of Demeter, as well as goddess of the underworld, Hecate, are believed to have involved lesbian sex.

Besides ceremonial and religious uses, the labrys is depicted in some Greek artifacts as one of the weapons of choice carried into battle by the mythical Amazons. In Greek artwork, Amazon armies are shown wielding various weapons in battle including the labrys. Amazons in Greek mythology were a tribe of warlike women who lived in Asia Minor. According to myth, women ruled their society, and two queens, one for defense and one for domestic affairs, shared the country, but they made numerous conquest expeditions into neighboring territories. They fought both on foot and on horseback, carrying crescent shields and wielding spears, bows, double-axes or battle axes, and swords. The Amazons of Greek myth not only participated in fighting and controlled politics, but exclusively made up both the population and the fighting force. They supposedly lived in the area north of the Black Sea about 700 years before the fifth century BC when the historian Herodotus reports hearing stories about them. There is debate as to whether or not the Amazons of ancient Greek myth really existed. Most of the ancient stories are simply myth and superstition. However, it is clear that there have always been brave women warriors throughout history. Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish fact from fiction.

Because of its ancient symbolism and meaning, lesbians, feminists, and female identified women sometimes use the labrys as a symbol of strength and self sufficiency. As a lesbian, I suggest that women of spirit, courage, and strength once again reclaim the ancient symbol of the labrys. I am independent, strong, caring, compassionate, beautiful, and spiritual. Anyone who thinks otherwise can just kiss my axe.