Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey, Anatolia, Early Bronze Age, ca. 2700 to 2300 BCE. A superb marble idol known as a "violin" idol for obvious reasons, of the Kasura type, quite similar to contemporary Cycladic idols, its form comprised of a trapezoidal body, long slender neck, and round 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. Comes with custom stand. Size: 3.5" W x 6.125" H (8.9 cm x 15.6 cm); 7.25" H (18.4 cm)

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.

Provenance: private Schroeder collection, Boca Raton, Florida, USA, acquired before 1970

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#123635

Surface shows nice deposits and signs of age. Near choice with barely perceptible nicks to areas of periphery.