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Mycenaean terracotta female figure

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posted on 2022-08-09, 07:54 authored by Centre for Ancient Cultures MuseumCentre for Ancient Cultures Museum

References: French, E., “The Development of Mycenaean Terracotta Figurines”, Annual of the British School at Athens 66, 1971, pp. 101-187; Higgins, R.A., Greek Terracottas, London: Methuen, 1967; Higgins, R.A., Minoan and Mycenaean Art, London: Methuen, 1967, pp. 124-125; Weber-Hiden, I., “Zur Datierung mykenischer Idole”, Archaeologisches Korrespondenzblatt 15, 1985, pp. 307-312; Pilali-Papastémiou, A., “Idéologie et commerce: le cas des figurines mycéniennes”, Bulletin de Correspondance Hellénique 122, 1998, pp. 27-52; Schallin, A.-L. (ed.), Encounters with Mycenaean figures and figurines. Papers presented at a seminar at the Swedish Institute at Athens, 27-29 April 2001, Stockholm: Swedish Institute at Athens, 2008.

A schematic, intact terracotta female figurine also referred to as “phi” idol (type LH Ill A2), for the resemblance to shape of the Greek letter “phi” (Φ); with other figurines with arms folded or raised in a posture of worship, called “tau” Τ and “psi” Ψ respectively, are the most common types of Mycenaean cult objects. They are often found in tombs, sanctuaries, children’s graves and across settlement areas. With a complex symbolism depending on the context, they were mainly considered votive figures, deities with fertile properties, and grave offerings. This example has a circular body on which breasts are indicated in relief, facial features, a long skirt with wavy lines of red varnish as enveloping garments.

Object number: 127.019.

Date: 14th–13th century B.C.

Parallels: very close parallel at Brooklyn, Brooklyn Museum 35.742; Athens, Museum of Cycladic Art ΚΠ0009; New York, Metropolitan Museum of Art 35.11.17, 35.11.18, 2021.40.69; London, British Museum 1864,0220.33, 2000,0523.3; Canberra, Australian National University, Classics Museum 1965.05; Princeton, Princeton University Art Museum Y1956.54; Boston, Museum of Fine Arts 14.768.

Photo by Steve Morton

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