Central Asia or Asia Minor, Bactria, ca. 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. A beautiful example of a pillar idol (sometimes called a column idol), hand-carved and smoothed from a mottled creamy pink and grey stone with light inclusions. The body of the idol is minimalistic and highly-abstract with an elongated hourglass form, and the lower end curves out gently to a wide, planar base. Both the upper and lower faces bear shallow, horizontal groove across the center. Both intriguing and quixotic, this is a wonderful example of abstract anthropomorphic artistry from the ancient world. Size: 5.9" W x 12.25" H (15 cm x 31.1 cm).

Stone idols like this example 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 Southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#138674

Idol repaired from multiple large pieces with small losses, thick stabilization material, and light adhesive residue along break lines. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, small chips to top, bottom, and body, with some light roughness across most surfaces. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Old inventory label adhesive on midsection.