Red Polished Ware Plank Figure

2000–1900 B.C.

Medium

Terracotta

Dimensions

20.3 × 9 cm

Status

In Museum Collection

Collect24 Art ID

C24-221170

In contrast with the small three-dimensional figures found on vessels (see for example the [Jug with a Man and a Deer](http://www.getty.edu/art/collection/objects/133008/unknown-maker-red-polished-ware-jug-cypriot-2300-1650-bc/)), Cypriot potters during the Early Bronze Age (about 2400-1600 B.C.) conceived statuettes of humans as schematic planks. Fashioned from Red Polished Ware, the piece is flat but roughly anthropomorphic in shape, with a trapezoidal body surmounted by a rectangular head. The gender of the figure is evident in the protrusions near the shoulders, interpreted as breasts. Other indicators of female identity include the intricate incised patterns, which were filled with a white, lime-based substance to highlight facial features, jewelry, and embroidered clothing. The back side of the piece is also decorated with incised lines. A rather prominent nose has been carefully sculpted, and round eyes and a slightly open mouth have been clearly rendered. The figure lacks other anatomical details, such as arms and legs.Early Bronze Age Cyprus, defined by the local Philia culture that originated in Anatolia (present-day western Turkey), saw the introduction of novel technol…