Female figurine

The fragmentary figurine belongs to a group of objects, which is common in Neolithic settlements of Mainland Greece (primarily in Thessaly and Macedonia), the Balkans and Asia Minor. These objects represent nude females with pronounced heaps, arms folded below the breast and protruding belly, which may indicate pregnancy.

In the past, such figurines had been considered as symbols of fertility, associated with human procreation and the regeneration of nature. Some scholars interpreted them as representations of a great Mother-Goddess. Modern researchers are unconvinced by such generalizing theories, and suggest that the interpretation of figurines should derive from their context and use. It is now believed that figurines had various uses as ritual objects, religious symbols and also as toys, which transferred knowledge to the kids and allowed them to familiarize with the world of adults.

PUBLICATION
– Venieri Y. 2007. Catalogue entry 1, in Choremi-Spetsieri Α. – Zarkadas Α. (eds), Paul and Alexandra Canellopoulos Museum. Ancient Art, Athens, 19.