Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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Figurine; Ministry of Culture Archaeological Receipts Fund; ca. 1988-1989 AD; CC5

From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleFigurine

About this objectSchematic female figurines with arms folded or raised in an attitude of supplication are the commonest types of Mycenaean cult objects. Often small in size, these figurines are conventionally called Phi-type, Psi-type and Tau-type because of their similarity to the corresponding letters of the Greek alphabet (Φ, Ψ and T). This particular example belongs to the Psi-type figurines. The figure wears a tall headdress ("polos") and wears a garment which drapes over the torso and arms to be belted about the waist.

The function of these small figurines is unknown but it is suggested because of where they are often found, that they might be votives or offerings made at shrines to a goddess.

MakerMinistry of Culture Archaeological Receipts Fund

Maker RoleCasting and Copying Workshop

Date Madeca. 1988-1989 AD

PeriodLate Mycenaean

Place MadeGreece; Athens

Place NotesOriginal manufactured in Stiria

Medium and MaterialsPlaster

Style and IconographyMycenaean

TechniqueCasting (process)

MeasurementsHeight 120 mm
Weight 40 gm

Named CollectionThe James Logie Memorial Collection, University of Canterbury, New Zealand

Credit LinePurchased, 1979.

Object TypeFigurine

Object numberCC5