Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey, Anatolia, Early Bronze Age II-III, ca. 2700 to 2000 BCE. A fine marble idol known as a "violin" idol because of its resemblance to the orchestral stringed instrument. This idol is of the Kusura-Beycesultan variety, similar to contemporary Cycladic idols, its form comprised of a curvaceous lower body, a pair of nubbin-shaped arms, a slender neck, and a rounded head devoid of any facial features. The meaning and function of such idols remains an enigma without any written records from this era. Archaeologists have theorized that, since fertility was prized by these peoples, the violin idol probably took inspiration, albeit in an abstract manner, from the female anatomy. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 2.25" W x 4.5" H (5.7 cm x 11.4 cm); 5" H (12.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Kusura idols come from the village of Kusura in southeastern modern-day Turkey. Votive idols like this one are known in a variety of fascinating forms throughout the pre-literate ancient world. From the truly abstract Kilia-type figures that are barely recognizable as human to the exaggerated feminine shapes of so-called "Venus" figures, people in the past, as today, had a clear desire to portray human forms and did not feel constrained by naturalism.

For a stylistically-similar example, please see "Idols: The Beginning of Abstract Form." Ariadne Galleries, Inc., New York, November 30, 1989 to January 31, 1990, p. 64, fig. 29.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#138498

Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, small nicks to arms, body, and head, and some roughness across most surfaces. Nice earthen deposits throughout, and good encrustations along verso.