Ivory figurine of naked female figure



Ivory figurine of naked female figure

Ο-Ε297
Bone (Ivory)
Mended and restored on right arm
Height: 8.4 cm.
Inatos
Cave of Eileithyia
Geometric period:
800-750 BC:
Gallery:
XVII
Case:
175
Exhibition thematic unit:
Geometric - Archaic - Classical period (10th - 4th c. BC). The Sanctuaries. From Minoan cult to the amalgamation of religious beliefs
Sacred Caves
Description
Naked female figurine. The figure is standing with arms lowered, wearing an Egyptian wig and a low semicylindrical headband. The back of the figurine is flat and under the feet is a rectangular tenon for setting it into a wooden base. The style is mainly Syro-Phoenician, although clearly influenced by and incorporating various Egyptian elements such as the wig and headband. The constant contacts between the two regions had a strong two-way influence on their art. The figurine probably represents the “naked goddess”, a minor Syro-Phoenician deity of fertility and protection. She intercedes for mortal suppliants in order to have their prayers heard by the greater gods. She often appears on personal items of the period as an amulet. This dual aspect is the reason why the figurine was found as a votive offering in the Cave of Eileithyia.
Bibliography:
Stampolidis N. Chr. - Karetsou A. (eds) Ανατολική Μεσόγειος, Κύπρος-Δωδεκάνησα-Κρήτη, 16ος-6ος αι. π.Χ., Heraklion, 1998, 271-272.
Author:
S. P.


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