Figurines, measuring from 2cm to 20cm, were among the most pervasive objects produced in the ancient Near East. Their production can be traced from the Southwest Asian Neolithic period, beginning in the 7th Millennium BC. Figurines were made in array of raw materials, including: marble, clay, stones and shell. The figurines are often highly stylistic and decorated with a range of motifs, rendered in appliqués and incisions. The majority of figurines are hard to clearly distinguish as male or female. In this instance, the inclusion of breasts would suggest a more female orientated figure. It has been argued that such figures were focused on the ‘Mother goddess’ aspect and associated with pregnancy, fertility and matriarchal society values. This concept has been challenged slightly, with an alternative suggestion that such figures were not wholly focused on gender identity but spoke of the interaction with gender and wider sociological themes.
Within the 3rd Millennium, Anatolia went through a vast expansion in settlement, naturally incorporating a myriad of cultures and ethnic groups. Figures such as this were hand-made and whilst the overall form was uniform, individuality of decorative motifs can be seen extensively. Additional designs could include incised geometric patterns, applied elements and indentations.
