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Terracotta woman

Terracotta woman

Period: Cypro-Archaic II
Date: ca. 600–480 B.C.
Culture: Cypriot
Medium: Terracotta; mold-made
Dimensions: H. 9 1/8 in. (23.2 cm)
Classification: Terracottas
Credit Line: The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76
Accession Number: 74.51.1579
On view in Gallery 174
Description Object Information Related Objects Online Resources Video Audio
This piece and 74.51.1559 were made in a mold, which determined their shape. The row of beads—possible stylized roses—at the top of the figure's head may indicate that this is the goddess Astarte herself. She wears ear caps in the form of conch shells, two necklaces, and bracelets. Due to Phoenician influence, the veneration of Astarte was well established on Cyprus.
  • References

    Myres, John L. 1914. Handbook of the Cesnola Collection of Antiquities from Cyprus. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, no. 2144.

    Böhm, Stephanie. 1990. Die "nackte Göttin": zur Ikonographie und Deutung unbekleideter weiblicher Figuren in der frühgriechischen Kunst. Mainz am Rhein: Verlag Philipp von Zabern, pg. 110, 4b, Tafel 39b, Myres 2144, C.P. 2615.

Some related objects from the collection
Standing male figurine

Standing male figurine
Date: ca. 750–480 B.C.
Medium: Terracotta
Accession Number: 74.51.1625
Not on view

Seated male figurine

Seated male figurine
Date: ca. 600–480 B.C.
Medium: Terracotta
Accession Number: 89.2.2133
Not on view

Seated bird figurine

Seated bird figurine
Date: ca. 600–480 B.C.
Medium: Terracotta
Accession Number: 74.57.14
Not on view

Ram figurine

Ram figurine
Date: ca. 600–480 B.C.
Medium: Terracotta
Accession Number: 74.57.15
Not on view

Head and upper body of a female figurine

Head and upper body of a female figurine
Date: ca. 600–480 B.C.
Medium: Terracotta
Accession Number: 74.51.2363
Not on view

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