Cycladic idols originate from the independent cultural circle that had developed on the Cycladic archipelago in the Aegean. This epoch covered the period from 3,000 BC to 1,100 BC.
Cycladenidol from the Cycladic archipelago in the Aegean Sea.
With this work of art, which seems so modern, one would not expect to have an exhibit of 2,500 years B. C. in front of one.
The idol, originating from the Greek eidolon,"image", is a more or less worked, not always fully figuratively shaped object of animal and humane character made of stone, bones, clay and other material. The idol was regarded as a carrier of protective power, which was worshipped as such. As the earliest object of magical-religious worship, idols have been found since the later Stone Age.
Cyclades idol from the island of Amorgos, 2.800 - 2.300 BC, National Archaeological Museum Athens, reduced head replica of the almost life-size statue of a goddess.
