Idol of Extremadura: Chalcolithic Alabaster Figurine Still Puzzles Archaeologists
Discovered south of the Guadalquivir Valley, the Idol of Extremadura is a 19 cm alabaster sculpture dating back to around 2500 BCE. It is currently displayed at the National Museum of Archaeology in Madrid, Spain. This artifact belongs to a category of 'eye idols' from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic eras, specifically identified as the fourth type among five classifications. Its interpretation is contentious, with theories suggesting it could represent a female fertility deity or a community leader. The idol features controversial facial markings that may indicate tattoos, mourning wounds, or scarifications. Additionally, the zigzag hair design might symbolize water in Egyptian art, prompting inquiries into prehistoric belief systems and identity. The article was authored by Lara Martínez Ródenas.
Key facts
- The Idol of Extremadura is a cylindrical alabaster sculpture measuring 19 cm (7 1/2 in.) in height.
- It dates to the Chalcolithic period, approximately 2500 BCE.
- It was discovered south of the Guadalquivir Valley.
- It is housed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Madrid, Spain.
- The figurine features zigzag lines representing hair, eyebrows, eyes, and incisions possibly representing facial tattoos or body paint.
- Scholars have identified five main typologies of eye idols; the Idol of Extremadura represents the fourth type.
- Interpretations of the idol's symbolism include female deities linked to fertility, personification of the deceased, or a community leader.
- The facial markings have been theorized as tattoos, an octopus representation, mourning wounds, or scarifications.
- The article was written by Lara Martínez Ródenas, a recent Art History graduate from the Complutense University of Madrid.
Entities
Artists
- Joseph Déchelette
- Luis Siret
- Martín Almagro-Gorbea
- Alfredo Mederos
- Javier Jiménez
- Lara Martínez Ródenas
Institutions
- National Museum of Archaeology
- Complutense University of Madrid
- Heraklion Archaeological Museum
- National Museum of Denmark
- Khan Academy
- World History Encyclopedia
Locations
- Extremadura
- Spain
- Madrid
- Guadalquivir Valley
- Iberian Peninsula
- Heraklion
- Greece
- Copenhagen
- Denmark
- Nigeria