Ancient Anatolian Stone Violin Idols (pr)

Ancient Asia Minor / Central Asia, modern day Turkey, Anatolian, Early Bronze Age II-III, ca. 2700 to 2000 BCE. A fabulous gathering of two idols of the Kusura-Beycesultan variety, hand-carved from chalky yellow-white stone, with violin-shaped bodies evocative of the classic stringed instrument. Each idol has an oblong body with indented grooves indicative of arms, a cylindrical neck, and a discoid head absent of any discernible facial features. The body of the smaller figure exhibits a bulbous, rectangular form while that of the larger figure is roughly triangular. The meaning and function of Anatolian idols remains an enigma without any written record from this era. Archaeologists have theorized that fertility was prized by these peoples and that the violin idol takes inspiration from the female anatomy, though no doubt interpreted in a highly-abstract manner. Size of largest (triangular body): 2.4" W x 3.7" H (6.1 cm x 9.4 cm); 4.4" H (11.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Scholars do not known for certain the meaning and purpose of so-called violin idols. However, it has been suggested that these figures were associated with motherhood and fertility. 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.

For a stylistically-similar example with a larger head, please see "Idols: The Beginning of Abstract Form." Ariadne Galleries, Inc., New York, 1989, p. 63, fig. 28.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA, acquired in the 1960s

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#143865
Condition Report: Head and upper neck of larger idol reattached with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Both idols have minor nicks and abrasions to bodies, necks, and heads, with light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits throughout.