Plank figures of whitish chalk (or other stones, such as limestone or gypsum), which render the human form in an entirely schematic manner, are very rare. Stylistically, they are akin to the much commoner clay plank figurines of Red-Polished Ware, which appear towards the end of the Early Cypriot period usually as free-standing creations and, sometimes, as appliqués on vases and in composite clay models. Some researchers associate the appearance of the clay examples with the arrival at Cyprus of new populations from Anatolia, where similar figurines are encountered in the Chalcolithic period. The stone specimens have a flat, almost rectangular body with no indication of anatomical details, apart from small lateral projections indicating the arms. Some have sporadic horizontal and vertical incisions, pierced ‘ears’ –possibly for inserting earrings (as on some clay examples)– and bear traces of black or red paint. The role of these statuettes is enigmatic. According to one view, they reflect beliefs about fertility and may have been used in mortuary rites (with appropriate painted decoration or garment), before being deposited in the grave as offerings indicative of the status of the deceased. Other researchers suggest that they imitate large wooden cult effigies (xoana), which stood in prehistoric shrines.