Female figurine, proto-Phi type

Schematic female figurines with arms folded or raised in an attitude of supplication are the commonest types of Mycenaean cult objects. They are small in size, handmade and are called conventionally Phi-type, Psi-type and Tau-type because of their similarity to the corresponding letters of the Greek alphabet (Φ, Ψ )
Τhey are thought to represent goddesses possibly associated with fertility (some Phi-type figurines carry babies in their hands)

National archaelogical museum, Athens

22 cm

Clay, handpainted, handpatinated