Ancient Anatolian Marble Idol Figure
Asia Minor, Anatolia, modern-day Turkey, Early Bronze Age II to III, ca. 2700 to 2000 BCE. This is a fascinating rendering of a highly abstract marble idol figure, in a thick, cylindrical form. The body is minimalistic and comprised of two rounded portions - a wide bottom, perhaps thick hips or thighs - as well as a slightly pinched waist area that slightly expand to shoulders then inward again to create a rounded head. Anatolian marble idols often depict a schematized version of the human body, one such is the so-called "figure of eight" shaped figurine, characterized by a very distinct division between the head and the body. Most have a flattened form, but some, like this one, are more three-dimensional. They were perhaps made for fertility or worship, most likely in household shrines or carried in cult rituals, but their ultimate purpose is unknown. Size: 1.75" W x 3.5" H (4.4 cm x 8.9 cm); 4" H (10.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Cf. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accession number 1984.97
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), 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.
#145867
Condition Report: Surface abrasions and chips as expected with age, otherwise intact. Mineral deposits and root marks on surface.
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Asia Minor, Anatolia, modern-day Turkey, Early Bronze Age II to III, ca. 2700 to 2000 BCE. This is a fascinating rendering of a highly abstract marble idol figure, in a thick, cylindrical form. The body is minimalistic and comprised of two rounded portions - a wide bottom, perhaps thick hips or thighs - as well as a slightly pinched waist area that slightly expand to shoulders then inward again to create a rounded head. Anatolian marble idols often depict a schematized version of the human body, one such is the so-called "figure of eight" shaped figurine, characterized by a very distinct division between the head and the body. Most have a flattened form, but some, like this one, are more three-dimensional. They were perhaps made for fertility or worship, most likely in household shrines or carried in cult rituals, but their ultimate purpose is unknown. Size: 1.75" W x 3.5" H (4.4 cm x 8.9 cm); 4" H (10.2 cm) on included custom stand.
Cf. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, accession number 1984.97
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), 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.
#145867
Condition Report: Surface abrasions and chips as expected with age, otherwise intact. Mineral deposits and root marks on surface.
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