Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey, Anatolia, Early Bronze Age II, ca. 2700 to 2300 BCE. A quixotic yet elegant marble figure known as a "violin" idol for its resemblance to the orchestral stringed instrument. This example is of the Kusura-Beycesultan variety, quite similar to contemporary Cycladic idols, its form comprised of a curvaceous body, a pair of abstract "arms," a slender neck, and a rounded head devoid of any recognizable facial features. The meaning and function of such idols remains an enigma without any written records from this era. Archaeologists have theorized that, since fertility was prized by these peoples, the violin idol probably took inspiration from the female anatomy, albeit in a highly-abstruse manner. Custom lucite display stand included. Size: 3.2" W x 5" H (8.1 cm x 12.7 cm); 6.5" H (16.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Kusura idols come from the village of Kusura in southeastern modern-day Turkey. Votive idols like this one are known in a variety of fascinating forms throughout the pre-literate ancient world. From the truly abstract Kilia-type figures that are barely recognizable as human to the exaggerated feminine shapes of so-called "Venus" figures, people in the past, as today, had a clear desire to portray human forms and did not feel constrained by naturalism.
This marble idol hammered for GBP 4,465 ($5,735.57) at Christie's, London, South Kensington Antiquities Auction (sale 9599, May 13, 2003, lot 10): https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/lot/an-anatolian-marble-idol-early-bronze-age-4088103-details.aspx?from=searchresults&intObjectID=4088103&sid=d08f52ae-7c7e-41e1-91ac-2b80363fc53b
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-Christie's, London, South Kensington Antiquities Auction (sale 9599, May 13, 2003, lot 10); formerly in a European private collection
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#138460
Condition
Repairs to section of lower body and tip of one arm with small chips and light adhesive residue along break lines. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, small nicks around peripheries, and some yellowing to the natural marble coloration. Light earthen deposits throughout.