Neolithic Vinča Statuette of a Fertility Goddess

Culture: Southeastern Europe

Period: around 5500 B.C.

Material: Terracotta

Dimensions: 17.4 cm high

Price: 28 000 Euro

Ref: 5253

Provenance: From the well-known Vinča collection of Dusan Jovanovic (1956-2015), since 1970 in Austria. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence test of 5 February 2025 confirming the age of the figure.

Condition: Intact, except for some minor ancient chipping, especially on the feet and on the nose.

Description: Large and massive figure of the Vinča culture made of brown clay with a smooth surface. The triangular head with incised, almond-shaped eyes and a prominent, tapering nose. The back of the head is flattened on top, far pulled back and angularly seceding. The short, rectangular arms horizontally protruding and pierced halfway. Possibly these perforations held a separately worked out tool or jewellery rings. The upper body with small round breasts and a bulging, spherical belly. The pelvis steatopygic, the buttocks with a curved fold. The thick, short legs are accentuated with large, round knees. Between the thighs a straight perforation. Vinča figures such as the present one were used for ritual purposes. The far protruding pelvis of this large statuette indicates a fertility cult. From the region of Supska-Stublina. With a TL test from the University of Vienna of 5 February 2025, confirming the age of the figure.