Lot 75
Central Asia, Bactria-Margiana (BMAC) (Oxus Civilization), Bronze Age, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A fascinating body from an idol figure of a type found in the modern countries of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, giving us a hint to the ancient culture that flourished there over three thousand years ago. Hand carved from a hard grey stone - probably chlorite - this example has its surface incised with triangular and linear motifs that resemble feathers. These motifs are designed to look like a kaunakes, or tufted garment, with a rounded front neckline. The torso is in the form of an abstract seated torso with a broad body and a small lip that juts outward to indicate the legs/feet. An ovoid divot in the top once had a head made from a different material - perhaps rock crystal or limestone based on other known examples. This figure is probably meant to be female based on other known examples. Size: 3.6" W x 2.2" H (9.1 cm x 5.6 cm)
The kaunakes was originally a Sumerian garment whose style migrated along the Silk Road and became popular in Bactria. Composite statuettes like this one, with the head composed of a different material than the body, have been found in the graves of women. Do they represent the individual buried, or are they deities?
Provenance: private California, USA collection, acquired over fifteen years ago
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#137576
- Condition: Intact, with light scratching and deposits on surface commensurate with age. Nice preservation of form. The figure would have once had a head made of a different material.
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