Pre-Cycladic idol from the Cyclades in the Aegean. This cultural cycle covers the period from about 5,000 B.C. to 2,800 B.C., i.e. up to the beginning of the more well-known Cycladic civilization.
Interesting the eight-pointed star pattern on the slanted top of the skull and the pierced ears, an indication of worn ear jewellery. A kind of necklace is also indicated. The predominant pattern on the front and back of the idol is formed by partially crossing lines and point settlements in rectangles and zigzag ornaments on the back.
The exhibit is 29 cm high, 15.5 cm wide and 7.8 cm deep, original size, also in relation to the material, terracotta.
It houses the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.
Due to the relatively small footprint, the replica is somewhat tilted, so it should perhaps be in a display case.
The idol, originating from the Greek eidolon, "picture", is a more or less worked, not always fully figuratively formed object of animal and human impressions made of stone, bone, clay and other material. The idol was regarded as a bearer of protective power, which was worshipped as such. As the earliest objectification of magical-religious worship, idols have been proven since the late Palaeolithic Age.
