figurine
- Museum number
- 2005,0317.1
- Description
-
Limestone female figurine of cruciform type with outstretched arms and crouching legs, perhaps a position associated with childbirth.
- Production date
- 3000BC (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 6.50 centimetres
- Curator's comments
- Published by Peltenburg (2005). See Bolger 2003. 84-9 for a discussion of Neolithic and Chalcolithic figurines and their significance.
Cruciform figurines of Chalcolithic date are more commonly made of picrolite, and both the material and some of the anatomical details of this example are somewhat unusual. It nonetheless falls within the typical iconography of Middle Chalcolithic human depictions.
Bibliography:
Bolger D. 2003, Gender in ancient Cyprus. Narratives of social change on a Mediterranean island (Walnut Creek).
Peltenburg E. 2005, 'Beyond Aphrodite', British Museum Magazine 53, 40-2.
- Location
- On display (G72/dc13)
- Acquisition date
- 2005
- Department
- Greek and Roman
- Registration number
- 2005,0317.1