Asia Minor, Anatolia peninsula, ca. 6th to 2nd century BCE. An impressive pottery idol in the form of a standing woman. Dressed in a lengthy skirt and headband, the ancient female gazes forward from huge, ovoid eyes with generous lids just above a sharp nose, a gently open mouth, and a pointed chin. Her tubular arms extend inward from her sloped shoulders, as she holds her hands together between her bulbous breasts. Size: 3" Diameter x 6.4" H (7.6 cm x 16.3 cm)
Fertility idols such as this were first produced in the near east as early as the 9th millennium BCE. By 6000 BCE fertility figures were found throughout the near east and made from a variety of materials - stone and terracotta being most commonly favored. In southern Anatolia, many similar sculptures were found in decorated rooms used as shrines. Some such statues were worshipped in the shrines, others perhaps left as votive offerings left by worshippers.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report is available to the buyer for $50.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#140228
Condition
Expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with rich earthen deposits. TL hole to base.