Description

This mother goddess has been excavated near Varna during the 1930’s and dates from the early step of the Hamangian culture during the early 5th millenium B.C.
This figurine shares aesthetics traits typical of the pre neolithiation step such as the steatopygia on its bottom part and insert new elements from cycladic art (that would though come later): position of its arms gathered under its breasts, a thin face only figuring its nose and square shoulders.
However, one can clearly distinguish new elements coming from the early Hamangian art such as the perforation (holes symbolizing ears). The left hole has been broken during antiquity and / or suffered erosion. The breasts are clearly visible as well as its vulva that is shown through the V carving. We can also see its belly, which gives to this idole a clear symbolism of fertility.
This should be seen as a transitional art between the old paleolithic state and the insertion of new elements from the neolithization and the local conceptual art. Indeed, one can see so many common traits with cycladic idoles, that this masterpiece could lead to a surprising hypothesis. Does the cycladic art inherited from the Old Europe art in the Balkan area, esepcially since cycladic people were seamen?
This is a unique masterpiece that could enhance so many modern interiors…

This is the only known example of this type! A true masterpiece!

Mounted on a stand

Condition

Awesome patina. A few minor barely visible chips on its feet. Erosion due to its age.

Provenance

From an old french collection, property of Mr. Assier (found in the 1930’s near Varna).