Neolithic Marble, Schist Mother Goddess - 17 cm
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Current bid
€ 250
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 600 - € 750
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 Bidder 9004 | €250 | |
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Neolithic Mother Goddess sculpture attributed to the Sesklo culture in Thessaly (circa 5800–5300 BCE), carved in schist or black marble, 17 cm high, 9 cm wide, 3 cm deep, acéphale with breasts in relief and a custom blackened steel base.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Neolithic mother goddess in slate or black marble, with a polished finish.
She is depicted headless.
Contrary to what one might think, the rounded upper part does not represent a face, but the torso.
Small breasts emerge in relief.
The incisions we observe mark the hollows of the arms.
The lower part symbolizes the pelvis and hips.
The incisions at the junction between the upper and lower parts mark the waist.
Dimensions: 17 cm high x 9 cm wide x 3 cm deep.
Custom-made base in blackened steel.
Attributed to the Sesklo culture, middle Neolithic in Thessaly, around 5800/5300 BCE.
These idols were sculpted on the Greek islands. They are the earliest abstract anthropomorphic representations in history.
It is common for Neolithic mother goddesses to be depicted headless. The absence of distinct facial features fits within this universal fertility symbolism specific to the Neolithic.
Belgian private collection
Postal shipment by BPOST with tracking number
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL dating, analysis of metals (XRF test), lapidary tests, pigment analysis, or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Neolithic mother goddess in slate or black marble, with a polished finish.
She is depicted headless.
Contrary to what one might think, the rounded upper part does not represent a face, but the torso.
Small breasts emerge in relief.
The incisions we observe mark the hollows of the arms.
The lower part symbolizes the pelvis and hips.
The incisions at the junction between the upper and lower parts mark the waist.
Dimensions: 17 cm high x 9 cm wide x 3 cm deep.
Custom-made base in blackened steel.
Attributed to the Sesklo culture, middle Neolithic in Thessaly, around 5800/5300 BCE.
These idols were sculpted on the Greek islands. They are the earliest abstract anthropomorphic representations in history.
It is common for Neolithic mother goddesses to be depicted headless. The absence of distinct facial features fits within this universal fertility symbolism specific to the Neolithic.
Belgian private collection
Postal shipment by BPOST with tracking number
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL dating, analysis of metals (XRF test), lapidary tests, pigment analysis, or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Culture
Neolithic
Century/timeframe
Thessalie, Sesklo, 5800/5300 avant JC
Name of object
Mother Goddess
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2015
Material
Marble, Schist
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
17 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
9 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
3 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
