Fragment of a Female Figurine

Like most Cycladic figurines, this one can probably be identified as female. Scientific analysis of similar examples revealed they were originally vibrantly painted with colorful eyes, hair, dots, stripes, zigzags, diamonds, and other geometric designs. Only a few Cycladic figurines come from scientific excavations. Most were buried in graves. Yet some found in domestic or religious contexts may be evidence that the figurines were used by the living as well as for the dead.