Collection Item – Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

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From:UC Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

Name/TitleFigurine

About this objectThis portion of a figurine is the demi-god Attis, a Greek and Phrygian deity. Attis was originally a demi-god of Phrygia, which is now in modern-day Turkey. His cult began in around 1250 BC and became popular in Greece in the late 4th Century. His priests are eunuchs, in respect to his origins.

In his origin story, Attis was so beautiful that he attracted Cybele, a mother-goddess sometimes also known as Agdistis. Unfortunately for her, his foster parents had decided that he would marry the daughter of a nearby king. At the wedding ceremony, Cybele appeared, in all her transcendent power, and Attis went mad and castrated himself. In his self-mutilation, death and resurrection he represents the process of crops over the winter, and he is also known in Phrygia as a god of vegetation.

This object, which is highly likely to be from Cyprus, was moulded from orange-buff clay. The figure's youthful face is framed with curly hair, and his eyes are outlined. He is wearing a tall pointed cap. Attis is commonly shown wearing a pointed Phrygian cap in ancient art, making it easier to identify him.

Date MadeDate Unknown

Place MadeCyprus

Place NotesPossibly from Cyprus?

Medium and MaterialsClay: Terracotta

Style and IconographyCypriote

TechniqueMolding (forming)

MeasurementsHeight 101mm

Subject and Association KeywordsArt and mythology

Subject and Association KeywordsFigurative art

Subject and Association KeywordsClothing and dress

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

Credit LineDonated by Mrs Broadhead, 1968. From the collection of Professor H.D. Broadhead

Object TypeFigurine

Object number89.68