Description

This sandstone idol from the Southern Levant dates from the Chalcolithic era around 3600 to 4000 B.C.
It is similar to the Cyclades’ violin-type marble figurines, but is worked in sandstone with pink strata, characteristic of the Levantine region. It is of the same type as the figurine found at Gilat in southern Israel (see reference).

It is thin, not exceeding 11 mm in depth, and features an elongated head. Below is a trapezoidal type figure forming the body and arms, and finally the lower part representing the part under the pelvis. This last part is rounded at the base.

Condition

Very beautiful patina, beautiful stratification of the sandstone. A chip on the left arm and on the top of the left hip. Head glued professionally.

Provenance

Former private Greek collection (collected at the beginning of the 20th century).

Reference

Idol on loan from the Israeli Antiquities Authority to the Metropolitan Museum or Art, NY
Article from ResearchGate