Boeotian Phi Idol

Period: 8th-6th century B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 17.2 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 2002

Provenance: Robert J. Molnar collection, Hillsdale, NJ, acquired in the 1960s.

Condition: Some chipping on the base edge. Mounted on old wood block base. Wonderful colours remained.

Description: The body of this handformed idol is of simple, stylized form, having a plank type body with short, nubbin arms and stylized bird head. The idol wears a polos, two vivid strands of hair falling down to the shoulders on each side, a third one falling down the back. A painted necklace around the neck with blossom, poppy seed capsule and pomegranate symbolizing fertility. These Phi idols stand for goddesses (Hera or Demeter?) and buried together with the deceased as a protection in the afterworld.

Culture: Greek/Boeotia