CERMINARA-Ancient Greek Figurines
Introduction
Figurines made of Terracotta were popular in ancient Greece and were found during archeological excavations, some in complete form and some in fragments with pieces missing. In early Cylcadic Greece, they were using marble for figurines, then later started using Terracotta during the later ages. It is said that these figurines were used for multiple purposes wether it was for decorations in houses, charms to ward off evil, cult images, and also used as offerings to the gods in sanctuaries. When used as offerings, these figurines were usually deposited into the graves of the deceased to stand as gifts or protective devices for the dead, or also as cherished possessions of the dead. It is also said that these figurines were possibly used as children's toys acting as dolls, but some have dismissed this theory due to the fact that the figurines are too fragile, but one may never fully know. However, we do know that it is clear that there was not jus one function for these figurines, there were numerous functions and meanings for them. This exhibit will show some examples of popular ancient Greek figurines and their significance.
Looking into the Figurines
These first figurines date 1300-1150 BCE. These are the Mycenaean Female Psi Figurine, and the Female Phi Figurine. They are made of Terracotta and the Psi is now in the Athens Museum of Cylcadic Art, while the Phi is at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. These are called the Psi and Phi types because of their similarity to that corresponding letter of the Greek alphabet. These types of female figurines were frequently found in shrines, houses, or graves. They were also thought to have been used as cult objects. There are also many different theories for what these female figures could represent such as different goddesses, possibly of fertility. Others think they could have been used as toys as mentioned in the introduction above.
This figurine dates 1100-1000 BCE during the late Bronze Age and it is known as the figurine of the "Goddess with Raised Arms." This is a female figurine and was discovered in Karphi and is now in the Heraklion Museum in Crete. This dates to the period following the destruction of the Minoan palaces. Her arms are said to have been raised in a gesture of prayer. Her features include a long dress, a large head resting on a tall, strong neck, and top of her head is decoration with the horns of consecration. It is possible that this was a cult statue of a goddess, having some sort of religious significance.
Figurines like the ones shown, a Figure of the Dog dated 600 BCE to 500 BCE, the Figure of the Bull dated 1200 BCE, and another Figure of the Bull dated 1300-1200 BCE. These small figurines have significance in Ancient Greek Minoan culture because they were used during ritual celebrations as sacrifice. They would hold these ritual celebrations in sanctuaries or temples that contained a monumental cult image of deity, and outdoor alter, statues, and votive offerings to the gods. These figurines were used as cult images and offerings to these gods during these rituals. The Bull was an animal that was especially worshiped and sacrificed during this period of time, which is why the bull figurines were especially popular.
Nina Cerminara
