Second half of the 4th millenium BC

Clay

Southern Turkmenia,

Yalangach-Depe Settlement

This is a most remarkable sculpture of the late Palaeolithic period from Southern Turkmenia. The shoulders gradually turn into large breasts; there are no arms; the legs are simply indicated by pinching in the clay. Black paint is used to emphasize the eyebrows, eyes, nipples and sexual attributes, and the neck and breast are decorated with a painted necklace and ribbons. Solar signs on the hips are connected with sun worship and indicate the magic role of such figurines. Ancient farmers saw in such figurines representations of the goddess of fertility and used them in magic rituals.