1108 - Neolithic steatopygous female figure in gray-black marble, Mediterranean region, c. 5000–3000 BC.

Neolithic steatopygous female figure in gray-black marble, Mediterranean region, c. 5000–3000 BC. Gray marble with dark gray-black marble flakes, veins, and natural inclusions. Dimensions: approximately 7.2 cm high in a seated position; approximately 5.1 cm wide at the buttocks; maximum diagonal length approximately 9.5 cm. Weight: approximately 320 g. An important Neolithic female figure of the steatopygous type, characterized by a head that is disproportionately large in relation to the body, unusual breasts and buttocks, a rounded abdomen, arms folded across the body, a finely carved vulva, and full legs. The figure is sculpted entirely in the round, emphasizing the contrast between the heavier, rounded lower body and the more compact upper torso. The accentuated breasts, abdomen, pubic area, thighs, and buttocks place the piece within the broader family of Neolithic steatopygous female idols traditionally associated with fertility, votive practices, and possibly funerary or ritual contexts. The dark gray-black marble flakes create a pronounced visual texture and give the surface a distinctive dimensional quality. Condition: completely intact and in excellent condition, with no indications of restoration or repair. The surface retains traces of original polishing and tooling, along with small ancient cracks, pitting, sediment deposits, and traces of ancient corrosion; according to the documentation, it was examined under magnification ranging from 10x to 50x. Provenance: Russian-Polish collection assembled by Stanisław Zimmerman between 1905 and 1939; subsequently owned by Stanisława Zimmerman and Roman Klejbach, then passed down through the family in the 1970s–1980s to A. Wandel. Exhibited at the Yanto Alexander Fine Art Foundation, Amersfoort, The Netherlands. Lot located in an international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipping: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required.