Bone Doll of Venus

Period: 2nd - 3rd century A.D.

Material: Bone

Dimensions: 18.9 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 3019

Provenance: Estate of Monique Nordmann, Geneva.

Condition: Some parts missing, partially restored.

Description: The hair of the doll is piled up high and combed backwards in an elaborate coiffure crowned by a flat polos. Disc-shaped earrings. An incised fish-bone pattern and horizontal grooves decorate the upper garment, vertical incisions adorn the garment below. A profile denotes the belt. Two holes at each shoulder to affix the flat arms, one of which is adorned by a bracelet. The polos indicates that the doll represents a goddess. The dolls were used as toys, were placed in graves and may also served as votive gifts in the cult of Aphrodite or other local female deities.

Culture: Roman