Ancient Central Asia, Indus Valley, Mehrgarh culture, ca. 3500 to 2800 BCE. A lovely, hand-built pottery fertility idol exhibiting highly stylized feminine features. Presenting with slightly bent legs as if sitting on a chair, the ancient figure is slanted in profile, her legs angled before her, beneath a dramatically corseted waistline and broad shoulders, her arms hanging parallel to her body. The head, boasts slanted ovoid eyes with impressed pupils, a slender nose above pouty lips, a tall forehead, and a coiffure hidden under a headdress. "Bird-faced" figurines like this have been found throughout the region and most female figures found by largely male archaeologists of the late 19th and early 20th century CE were immediately given the title of "fertility idol." However, more recent interpretations suggest that these figures probably had much more nuanced and varied symbolism. Size: 6" L x 2.5" W (15.2 cm x 6.4 cm); 6.25" H (15.9 cm) on included custom stand.
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report is available for $50 to the buyer. Please contact us to request.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#137000
Condition
Intact and very good, with only minor surface abrasions. TL hole on head verso. Heavy earthen and mineral deposits throughout.