Serpentinite female figure

Technical analysis: Multiband imaging, optical microscopy, micro X-ray diffraction


The figure is intact except for the front of the feet which have been restored in modern times. The color of the stone is mottled light grey-green to black and there are reddish iron-rich accretions adhering to the surface in places on the front and back. There is a vertical crack in front that extends from the belly through the crossed arms to the upper chest and is filled with accretions. The figure has an oblong head with a long vertical protruding nose, which is the only carved facial feature. The head rests on broad shoulders whose arms bend at the elbows and cross the pregnant belly left over right, the right arm extending all the way around the belly and holding the side. A groove defines the upper and lower abdomen accentuating the pregnant belly, which extends out as far as the folded arms above. Below is the pubic area defined at the lower edges by the full thighs. A wide vertical groove divides the legs at the front and back. The feet although broken are distended indicating the figure is lying down. A single vertical groove defines the spine and continues down to divide the buttocks which are full and carefully modelled.


The figure is a unique example of the Spedos type carved from serpentinite. It is also one of the smallest known examples of the Spedos type. The quality of the carving is quite fine and skillful. The use of serpentinite and its small scale may indicate an origin on Minoan Crete where small-scale Cycladic figures have been found among the burial goods placed in tombs in the Mesara as well as at Teke and Archanes. The figure could have functioned as an amulet. Its beautifully polished surface may be a result of its frequent handheld use by its owner in antiquity.


Seán Hemingway, Dorothy Abramitis, Federico Carò