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Bell-shaped female figurine

Greek
Late Geometric or Early Orientializing Period
720–700 B.C.
Place of Manufacture: Greece, Boiotia

Medium/Technique Terracotta
Dimensions Height: 30 cm (11 13/16 in.)
Credit Line Henry Lillie Pierce Fund
Accession Number98.891
ClassificationsSculpture
This ceramic female figure, related to a group of small-scale sculptures of similar form made by artists working in the region of Boiotia in mainland Greece, combines a burgeoning inclination toward naturalistic representation of the human body with a lingering Geometric sense of proportion and decoration. The head and facial features are forcefully modeled, the eyes and arched brows emphasized with added color; paint was also used to indicate the dark hair falling in wavy locks. The body, however, was conceived as an assemblage of geometric forms. Below the thick, unnaturally elongated neck, the only anatomical features on the bell-shaped torso, which was fashioned on a potter's wheel, are a pair of sculptural breastlike protrusions outlined in paint and two short, thin arms. The attached movable legs would have "danced" independently of the body when, as is likely, the figure was hung as an offering in an outdoor sanctuary.

The figure's body serves as a canvas for painted decoration. An elaborate garment is suggested by circles around the neckline and hem, a bordered placket on the chest, and arm openings with strokes below evoking folds. The birds and geometric motifs-including a pinwheel design, a double ax, and two small swastikas-featured on the midsection are found on painted pottery of the same date. Additional swastikas adorn the arms and may stand for tattooing, while lines running around the calves and criss-crossing the feet indicate that the figure wears sandals.

Catalogue Raisonné Highlights: Classical Art (MFA), p. 163.
Description"Bell-idol" with bell-shaped body and swinging legs from Thebes (Boiotia). There are small holes in the ear lobes. Eyes, eyebrows and long hair are painted. The irises of the eyes are white beads. Two arms, bent at elbows, rest on the body. The proper left hand is missing. The front of the body has two breasts in relief. The cloak and necklace are painted on. Main decoration on front of body: two heraldic water birds, three swastikas and hatched hourglass motif. There are bands at the bottom of the body.
The body is wheel made, with holes on the sides to allow for hanging of the legs. The legs are made of more red clay and perhaps do not belong.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren (according to Warren's records: Bought in Paris from a Greek. Probably from Thebes); 1898: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren for $ 69,618.13 (this figure is the total price for MFA 98.641-98.940)