What are Mycenaean votive figurines? Learn how to identify the three types (Phi, Psi and Tau) and their origin.
Mycenaean Terracotta Figurines
Mycenaean female figurines are divided into three main groups:
Each of these figurine types represent a letter of the Greek alphabet.
How were Terracotta Figurines Made?
The term "terracotta" refers to fired clay. Terracotta figurines were made in three distinct ways: either by hand, by use of the potter’s wheel or by moulds. Figurines that are solid and handmade are sometimes called "Primitive Types." The ornate black lines which adorn the figures were produced by paint and sometimes appear dark brown after firing. Most of the lines however, remain black and the color of the clay itself has a very light appearance.
On some figurines, a stephane (spreading headdress) is depicted and adorned with semi-circular patterns of dark paint. Dark vertical lines are applied to the backs of figurines, and could represent hair. The facial features are depicted with strict simplicity: two small dotted eyes, a large vertical line representing the nose, a thick line above the eye (which could represent a specific hairstyle) and a dark painted spot for the chin. A strong thick line under the face might depict a necklace.
History of Mycenaean Terracotta Figurines
The development of Mycenaean figurines can be organized into a chronological sequence based on their specific type.
The Tau figurine was first introduced in Late Helladic III A2, but became more popular in Late Helladic III B. These figurines were mass produced by the same potters who created vases. Between 2000 B.C. to 700 B.C., handmade figurines continued to be created.
Psi and Phi resemble the Tau, but have several differences. Psi figurines also have a conical body and are depicted wearing a spreading headdress, but the arms are not laid across the chest. Instead, they are spread outwards fully displaying the breasts.The facial features remain the same and ornate lines still decorate the body. Other Psi figurines do not have carefully sculpted arms, but remain rather stylized.The decoration and execution of certain details however, is still notable.
Phi figurines are also similar to the Tau and Psi, but have two main differences. First, the Phi is not depicted wearing a spreading headdress. The facial features remain the same, but the top of the head is now painted with a thick black line. Second, the arms are not rendered separate from the body. Instead, the upper part is depicted round like a disk. Thick, curving ornate lines usually decorate the chest down to the conical skirt.
Not all Mycenaean terracottas are single free-standing figurines. Some figurines are seated on a three-legged chair. Perhaps this could be a representation of a deity on a throne. Other figurines are depicted in a chariot or ploughing group. A group depicting a man and woman lying together on a couch has also been found. This could be a representation of the "Hieros Gamos" or sacred marriage. Animal figurines were produced as well, most commonly oxen and bulls.
How did These Figurines Function in Mycenaean Society?
Some archaeologists believe that the terracotta female votive figurines may be the representation of a goddess. Since the dress and pose of the figure is Cretan, the goddess many have had Cretan origins. The overall simplistic style however, remains clearly Mycenaean.
Many Mycenaean figurines have been unearthed; particularly in the tombs of children, shrines and in houses. It has been suggested that these figurines had the same function as Egyptian ushabtis; intended to accompany people to the afterlife. William Taylour suggests that certain figurines may have had different functions. The figurines found in shrines and sanctuaries "must have had a deeper religious meaning". (Taylour, William. The Mycenaeans. London, 1983) Others, such as chariot groups, could have been toys for young children.
Also interesting to note is the similarity between terracotta figurines and human figures found on Mycenaean pictorial vases. Facial features and simplistic rendering of the body remain the same.
Related Articles
Useful Links
Dartmouth - The History of the Bronze Age
