Small anthropomorphic figurines in clay at Ģipka Neolithic settlements

Bibliographic Data

ID2995682
AuthorsIlze Biruta Loze, Ilze Loze (University of Latvia, corresponding author)
Year2005
Volume32
Pages155-165
Publication date2005-12-31
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDocumenta Praehistorica (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1408-967X • E-ISSN: 1854-2492
PublisherUniversity of Ljubljana (PUBLISHER • SI)
DOI10.4312/dp.32.11
OpenAlexW1967647238
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited2

Miniature Neolithic figurines in clay are a special topic of research. This especially concerns areas where their representation has so far been poor. While carrying out archaeological excavations in Northern Kurzeme, the north-west coastal dune zone of Rīga Bay, a ritual-like complex was recovered at Ģipka A site belonging to the local Culture of Pit Ceramics. It consists of several large and smaller fireplaces and pits, with the finds of fragmentary clay figurines recovered under the palisade that surrounded the settlement. The head and body of the miniature anthropomorphic figurines in clay have original modelling. It is possible to single out two types of figurine: with rather broad cheekbones, and oval modelling of face. The large amount of ochre found in the settlement and the purposeful breaking of figurines are evidence of their role during a rite. Clay figurines have a symbolic meaning, and the signs depicted on them, incised walking stick-shape and other motifs, are the symbols of early farmers

Archaeology · Art · Bay · Geography · Midden · Rite · Settlement (finance · Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies · Archaeology and ancient environmental studies · European Linguistics and Anthropology · Geology