The plank figurines shown here represent stages in the development of a characteristic type of Boeotian terracottas, which were dubbed pappades (Gr. for priests) by the peasants of Boeotia who frequently found them in their fields. They represent standing females with schematic outstretched arms, dressed in a long garment and a headdress (polos). These two are handmade and obviously come from the same workshop. They have a bird- like face, a polos with intricate spiral finial, and glossy decoration over a white slip, rendering the facial features, hairstyle, necklaces and garment. The interpretation of this type of figurines is difficult. Their frequent presence in graves permits the hypothesis that they were linked with the worship of the chthonic deities Demeter and Kore. Another theory is that they represent in clay the daidala, that is, wooden effigies (xoana) dressed as brides, which −according to ancient literary sources− were used in cult rituals performed on Mt Kithairon in Boeotia to honour Hera, the wife of Zeus and patron goddess of marriage.