Ancient Near East, Anatolia, Early Bronze Age II-III, ca. 2700 to 2000 BCE. A hand-carved marble idol of attractive and characteristically abstract form with a broad, semicircular body, carved notches beneath a pair of petite arms, a gently corseted neckline, and an ovoid, paddle-shaped head. Idols like this example are referred to as "violin idols" due to their resemblance to the stringed instrument. The meaning and function of Anatolian idols remains an enigma without any written record from this era. Archaeologists have theorized that fertility was prized by these peoples and that the violin idol takes inspiration from the female anatomy, though no doubt interpreted in a highly abstract manner. Size: 1.5" W x 2.375" H (3.8 cm x 6 cm)
Cf. "Idols: The Beginning of Abstract Form." Ariadne Galleries, Inc., New York, 1989, p. 63, fig. 28
Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000
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#172262
Condition
Minor abrasions to body and head, with very small nicks to peripheries, otherwise intact and excellent. Nice surface smoothness along obverse, and good remains of original surface texture along verso.