SculptureCypriot15th-12th century BCE

Anthropomorphic female figurine

1450-1200 BCE

Description

This hollow, handmade terracotta figurine takes the form of a nude, standing female figure. The figure has large semi-circular ears, each with two vertically-stacked, round, pierced holes. Chevron-shaped incisions on the forehead (the edge of a slightly flattened top of the head) may indicate hair or a brow. The eyes are made from applied circular pellets incised with circles to indicate pupils. The pinched nose is thin, tall, and projecting, lending a “bird-like” appearance to the face. There is no indication of a mouth. Three horizontal incisions encircle the figurine’s cylindrical neck, perhaps indicating a necklace or collar. The body gradually widens from the neck to form hips, below which the legs narrow, tapering toward the feet. Applied spheres of clay form cone-shaped breasts. Scars on the sides indicate that arms, once attached and held akimbo, are now missing; the lower scar on either side corresponds to five incised lines on the front of the body, indicating fingers resting on the hips. The navel is indicated through an indented “dimple.” The pubic area is delineated and decorated in incision: outlined with two horizontal lines above and a diagonal line on each leg, smaller gouged incisions fill the triangle, giving the appearance of horizontal bands in an irregular chevron or herringbone pattern. A deep vertical groove demarcates the legs on front and back. On each leg, an indented “dimple” appears to indicate either knee. Small feet project at a downward angle; toes are incised. A small hole in the center of the figurine’s back (which bows out slightly but is not modeled) appears to have been drilled post-firing. Below this, the object’s accession number (1953.118) and “Fogg” are written in red paint; “1955” is written in black in or paint. Pinkish buff clay with some soil deposits and accretions. Munsell: surface, 5YR 7/4 pink to 7.5 YR 7/4 pink; at break (albeit not a clean break), 7.5 YR 7/2 pinkish grey.

Classification

Sculpture

Technique

Handmade

Medium

Terracotta

Culture

Cypriot

Period

Bronze Age, Late

Century

15th-12th century BCE