Minoan Figurine: Fragmentary Figurine

Inv. No.: 70.008
Provenance: Cnossos
Date: c. 1600 BC (Middle Minoan III)
Height: 71mm
Diameter: 38mm
 
Gift from the British Museum.

A fragmentary figurine consisting of the head and torso of a man with only the very tops of the arms remaining. The torso is flattened with the back rather roughly finished while the more three dimensional head has very indefinite features, apart from the large nose. There is also a vague indication of the hairline. The clay is orange with some incrustation. The remains of white are visible on the body.

Function:
This was probably a votive offering.

Manufacture:
This piece was shaped by hand.

Bibliography:
Higgins, R., Minoan and Mycenaean Art, revised edition, London, Thames and Hudson, 1981, 30-31.

Higgins, R. A., Greek Terracottas, London, Methuen, 1967, xlix-liv, 1-5, 9-10.

Comparanda:
Chesterman, J., Classical Terracotta Figures, London, Ward Lock, 1974, Figs. 3 (Minoan standing man) and 4-5 (larger Minoan head).

Green, J. R., Antiquities: A description of the Classics Department Museum in The Australian National University, Canberra, Canberra, Faculty of Arts, The Australian National University, 1981, Inv. No. 73.21, p. 83 (fragmentary statuette).

Higgins, R. A., Greek Terracottas, London, Methuen, 1967, Plate 3, C-E.