Despite the popularity of these figures, we know little about their function. They are commonly taken to be representations of goddesses, but this is probably not the case. (In general, deities in the ancient Near East were clothed, and if not, featured distinguishing supernatural characteristics, like horns or wings. The forward-facing posture would also be atypical for a depiction of a goddess.) Rather, more recent research indicates that nude female figures likely represented a magical force or protective spirit associated with good luck, prosperity, female dignity, energy, and sexual emotions. In this sense, she is better viewed as an intermediary between people and gods. For example, when depicted on cylinder seals, the nude female is generally set on a plinth above mortals, yet apart from gods and goddesses. In other words, she may have been the ancients' way of personifying control over daily life with a complicated apotropaic symbol meant to bring good luck. (Sexuality has long been considered a foil to bad luck or the "evil eye;" see the phalluses placed over street corners in Pompeii for a graphic, more recent example!) They may even have been considered "one use" items in this regard -- most are recovered in battered condition from ancient refuse deposits.

For a close parallel, see Moorey, "Ancient Near Eastern Terracottas in the Ashmolean Museum," #195.

AGE: 800-550 B.C.

CONDITION: Loss below the knees as shown in the photos, but otherwise in good shape with much remaining detail. Includes a custom metal stand as shown.