Anatolia is the name that is currently applied to the whole Asian territory of modern Turkey. Its western half is a broad peninsula connecting the continent of Asia with Europe. A culture related to the Cyclades existed in Anatolia from the beginning of the Early Bronze Age, if not earlier. Both cultures produced highly schematic and reductive figurines that were predominantly female. These female figurines represent mother goddesses and their simplicity can be traced back to the Neolithic Age, when they were made in a variety of materials including stone, clay, bronze and gold. In Anatolia this style of figure continued, with regional variations, long after neighbouring cultures adopted more naturalistic and elaborate styles. Fertility idols were stylised to interpret the human body in its most basic and simplest form. This stylised marble idol is of the ‘violin’ type for obvious reasons. The body of this exceptional idol is flattened and disc-like, with shortened arms and a long, projecting neck. Although the purpose of these objects remains mysterious, they are believed to be used in religious practices as a symbol of fertility, or as a grave offering to safeguard the deceased.

Published

Sotheby’s, 25th January 1965, Lot 104.

Provenance

Sold at: Sotheby’s 25th January 1965, Lot 104.
In the Private German Collection of ilustrator Mr Hans Schleger (1898-1976) acquired from the above 1965 sale (accompanied by photocopy of Mr Hans Schleger’s annotated Sotheby’s catalogue and invoice slip). Schleger’s collection focused mainly on sculpture and was formed mainly in the 1950’s and 1960’s.
Thence by descent.
With David Aaron, 2016.
Private Collection, UK, acquired from the above 9th December 2016.

Sold