An ancient terracotta figurine from the Syro-Hittite civilisation, likely intended as a votive offering. The standing figure has a pinched, animalistic face with a well-defined beak shaped nose, framed on both sides with circular eyes, represented by two circular perforations. To the top of the figure's head, two circular, scrolling protrusions, possibly ears, decorated with rounded indentations, extend out from its head. A diagonal, rectangular protrusion extends out from the back of the figure's head, enriched with two indentations at the top and a series of vertical incisions. The body of the figurine is columnar with two triangular protrusions on either side, representing arms. The neck of the figure is adorned with several horizontal lines. The bottom of the figure is splayed and the figure sits on a rounded, flattened base, allowing the figure to stand upright without a stand. Earthly encrustations, discolouration, and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as pitting, scratches, and chipping, to the surface. The Neo-Hittite civilisation, also known as Syro-Hittite, existed during the Iron Age in northern Syria and Southern Anatolia. The Hittite Empire collapsed around 1180 BC: it was followed by the decline of the Eastern Mediterranean trade networks, and the fall of the major late Bronze Age cities in the Levant, Anatolia, and the Aegean. Terracotta was a favoured material for idols in the Near East. These types of figurines usually have columnar and flat bodies with heads and torsos decorated with appliques and incisions. Some of them might have represented gods, particularly female deities that ensured fertility. However, it is more likely that they represented worshipers. Due to the protruding nose, figurines such as this are characterised as having bird-like faces. They are usually of modest dimensions, and found in graves or under the floors of the houses. Measurements: (circa) L 4.5cm x W 3cm x H 13cm Provenance: Ex major SM, London, Collection 1970-2010.