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Female Figure of the Early Spedos Type (Front)

Unknown

The J. Paul Getty Museum

The J. Paul Getty Museum
Los Angeles, United States

Facing forward with her arms crossed, this stylized female figure is characteristic of the sculpture of the Cyclades in the mid-2000s B.C. Scholars have divided Early Cycladic sculpture into groups or types indicating stylistic and chronological developments. This female figure is of the folded-arm, early Spedos type. Named after an Early Cycladic cemetery on this island of Naxos, the Spedos variety is the most prolific category of canonical Cycladic figures, and has the widest distribution within the Cyclades and beyond. This early example shows the typical traits of elongated proportions, a lyre-shaped head, and a deep cleft, only partially cut through, between the legs. Even though her legs are placed together, the figure’s feet are angled downwards, so she would not have been able to stand on her own. The sculptor carved incised lines in the marble to define the fingers, toes, and abdomen. Her nose is modeled in relief, but the rest of her facial features were originally painted. Red circles on either side of her head form ears, and a row of dots below the nose may represent her mouth. Additional rows of red dots running across her forehead and cheeks may be decorative face paint or tattoos.

The role and meaning of these figures in Cycladic culture is unknown. As the majority of figures are female, and are represented nude, with breasts and incised public triangles to indicate their gender, they may be linked with the idea of fertility and reproduction, which was often a focus of ancient Mediterranean religions. While these figures have been found almost exclusively in graves placed on their backs, it is not clear whether they were made specifically for burials. On some examples, the painted decoration has been refreshed, suggesting that the images were in use for a long period of time before being buried. Additionally, a few examples also come from sanctuaries, and would have served a ritual function. Since they could not stand, they may have been held upright in social or religious activities, such as processions.

Details

  • Title: Female Figure of the Early Spedos Type (Front)
  • Creator: Unknown
  • Date Created: 2700–2500 B.C.
  • Location Created: Cyclades, Greece
  • Physical Dimensions: 49.5 × 9 × 6 cm (19 1/2 × 3 9/16 × 2 3/8 in.)
  • Type: Female figure
  • External Link: Find out more about this object on the Museum website.
  • Medium: Marble with pigment
  • Terms of Use: Open Content
  • Number: 88.AA.79
  • Culture: Cycladic
  • Credit Line: The J. Paul Getty Museum, Villa Collection, Malibu, California
  • Creator Display Name: Unknown
  • Classification: Sculpture (Visual Works)

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