Terracotta statuette of woman with bird face

Terracotta statuette of woman with bird face

Period:Late Cypriot IIDate:ca. 1450–1200 B.C.Culture:CypriotMedium:Terracotta; hand-madeDimensions:H. 8 3/16 in. (20.80 cm)Classification:TerracottasCredit Line:The Cesnola Collection, Purchased by subscription, 1874–76Accession Number:74.51.1542

This figurine is typical of Cypriot coroplastic art of the Late Cypriot II and III periods. The type, with the pubic triangle accentuated and the breasts clearly shown, is likely of Syrian origin, but Cypriot sculptors created their own variations. Handmade and hollow, it has a shaved surface. Her eyes are pellets surrounded by rings. In each large flat ear are two perforations, each containing an earring; the lower ones have overlapping terminals. The infant stretches out its arms and has depressed circles for its eyes.

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