EARLY NEOLITHIC FIGURINE

 FROM THE VARYTIMIDES SITE 

Clay figurines are characteristic of Greek Neolithic sites, but are most common in Northern Greece. This example exhibits the steatopygy (fat thighs/buttocks) common to many of them. Their significance remains enigmatic: some archaeologists believe that they may represent divinities, others that they are simply models. 

A SELECTION OF FIGURINE FRAGMENTS

These fragments illustrate the range of types in use. The two pieces in the centre join together to make a single figure (below).

A MN FIGURINE MADE AND FIRED IN TWO PARTS.

The significance of this class of figurines is unknown. The two halves are modelled separately,  then fitted together so that they fit closely and finally fired separately.