Cycladic figurine (Louros type)

Characteristic of the transition from the Early Cycladic I to the Early Cycladic II period is a strong penchant for experimentation in marble carving and the appearance of a wide variety of figurine types, which reflects the artistic inquiries of the time. Among these is the "Louros type", which represents an intermediate stage between the two broader categories of schematic and naturalistic figurines. The type, thus named after an exceptionally rich grave uncovered at the locality of Louros on Naxos, derives from Late Neolithic schematic figurines from Thessaly.F igurines of the Louros type are of relatively small dimensions (h. 3-29 cm.) and are distinguished by the highly abstract rendering of the human figure and the total absence of facial features, as well as of other anatomical details. In just a few cases the pubic triangle is incised, while even rarer are indications of the breasts and of creases in the abdominal area, features which permit the identification of these particular figurines as female. Figurines of the Louros type are usually carved in marble, although some examples in shell are known.