The Cycladic figurines
The Cycladic figurines
Figurines are the most characteristic objects of Cycladic Culture. They are made of marble, a material that was abundant in the Cyclades. They represent mainly female figures and less often male or groupings of figures. Most figurines are up to 60 cm tall, while the larger ones are as much as 150 cm. The heads of the figurines are usually triangular and slightly tilted backwards, with only the nose standing out in relief. The rest of the details were rendered mainly with colours, which have faded over the years.
We cannot say with certainty what the figurines depicted or what their significance was for the ancient Cycladic people, since no written texts have survived. However, it seems that they had something to do with their religion, perhaps with mother nature and the fertility of both women and nature.
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In touch with Cycladic Civilisation