Centuries-old Mother Goddess figurine found in Aegean Turkey
An 8,200-year-old figurine of Mother Goddess was discovered in the ancient Yeşilova Mound of Aegean İzmir. While the deity symbolizes fertility and prosperity, the statuette is reportedly the first artifact made of marble in the area.
Duvar English
An 8,200-year-old marble figurine of Mother Goddess was discovered in the Yeşilova Mound of Aegean İzmir on Oct. 29.
A symbol of fertility and prosperity, Mother Goddess is thought to be a deity that later evolved into Cybele and Artemis, female deities seen across ancient civilizations in Anatolia, excavation head Dr. Zafer Derin said.
"The statuette depicted the female form as curvy, much like other examples across Anatolia," Dr. Derin noted, adding that the figure's head is missing.
Around two inches tall, the figurine is one of the first examples of Aegean civilizations' use of marble, as they usually opt for minerals like obsidian and flint.
The statuette is among some 250 artifacts recovered in the mound excavation this year, Dr. Derin said, while work on the ancient site has been ongoing for some 15 years.
Dating back to 6,500 B.C., Yeşilova Mound is the oldest known settlement in the province of İzmir.