Female Fertility (?) Figure
Not on view
This female figure has a carved head, ears, and nose, with incised lines to indicate her mouth and eyes, and other lines at her neck, belly, and pelvis. Breasts, buttocks, legs, and feet are carved in three dimensions, and there are small holes where the arms might have been attached. Former curators have interpreted this object as a fertility figure, as it resembles similar examples found across many ancient cultures. However, this piece was excavated together with artifacts of the early Islamic period. Thus, it could be a residual piece from previous periods; or represent a continuation of earlier practices; or it could have functioned as a toy.
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