Marble female figure

Technical analysis: Multiband imaging, X-ray radiography, optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy


The figure, carved from medium-grained heteroblastic white marble, is complete except for the tips of both feet. Although the statuette appears intact, breaks at both the neck and the thighs have been repaired. The surface is pitted and eroded, with golden-brown accretions, many in the form of rootlets, that are particularly abundant on the back. There are signs of mechanical removal of the accretion. Patches of modern fill that extend over the breaks appear on various other areas of the body. Red particles on top of the head, the proper right shoulder, arm, and buttocks were identified as predominantly hematite, with possible goethite and undetermined silicates in some areas (likely a red ochre). It is not possible to determine if these particles are an accidental contamination or if they were purposely applied.


The figure has a triangular head with a long nose in low relief, a shallow chin, and an incised mouth. The head is set on an elongated neck, the base of which is marked on both the front and back with a V-shaped groove. The broad upper body has sloping angular shoulders that are spaced wide apart, and prominent breasts. The arms are clearly defined by grooves, with the forearms narrow and tapered, and folded in the canonical left-over-right arrangement. The lower forearm is slightly curved to emphasize the rounded protrusion of the abdomen, which may signify pregnancy. The incised pubic triangle is pierced by a vertical incision that extends to the groove dividing the legs. The legs are treated as a single tapered unit, continuing the angular outline of the body. The toes are articulated. A continuous vertical groove on the back marks the spine, as well as the separation of the slightly raised buttocks and the legs.


The Dokathismata type, named for a cemetery on the island of Amorgos, is characterized by the triangular-shaped head, broad, angular shoulders, straight legs differentiated by a shallow groove and the overall flatness of the figure. The incised mouth of this figure, created by a short straight groove, is highly unusual, but does appear in other examples.


Alexis Belis, Dorothy Abramitis, and Federico Carò