Anatolian Kurusa Terracotta Incised Violin Idol

Ancient Near East, Anatolia, Caypinar region, Early Bronze Age II, ca. 2700 to 2300 BCE. An incredibly preserved, Kusura-type (also Kasura) pottery idol of an abstract anthropomorphic form. Also known as a violin idol, the ancient figure is hand-built with a wide, flat body, a pinched head, a narrow leg, and a circular, flared foot. Its body is skillfully adorned with incised, parallel striations forming a downward point on both sides with each striation separating by a dotted pattern and a zigzag line at the bottom. The meaning and function of such idols remains an enigma without any written records from this era. Archaeologists have theorized that, since fertility was prized by these peoples, the violin idol probably took inspiration from the female anatomy, albeit in a highly abstruse manner. Size: 3" W x 4.2" H (7.6 cm x 10.7 cm); 4.7" H (11.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Kusura idols come from the village of Kusura in southeastern modern-day Turkey. Votive idols like this one are known in a variety of fascinating forms throughout the pre-literate ancient world. From the truly abstract Kilia-type figures that are barely recognizable as human to the exaggerated feminine shapes of so-called "Venus" figures, people in the past, as today, had a clear desire to portray human forms and did not feel constrained by naturalism.

This piece has been searched against the Art Loss Register database and has been cleared. The Art Loss Register maintains the world's largest database of stolen art, collectibles, and antiques.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Basil W. R. Jenkins collection, California, USA, acquired 1980s

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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.

#166961
Condition Report: Stable hairline fissure at base and tip. A few light abrasions. Otherwise, excellent with nice remaining detail.