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

Neolithic steatopygous female figure in grey-black marble, Mediterranean region, c. 5000–3000 BC. Grey marble with dark grey-black marble flakes, veins and natural inclusions. Measurements: approximately 7.2 cm high in seated position; approximately 5.1 cm wide at the buttocks; maximum diagonal length approximately 9.5 cm. Weight: approximately 320 g. Important Neolithic female figure of steatopygous type, characterized by an oversized head in relation to the body, unusual breasts and buttocks, rounded abdomen, arms folded over the body, a finely carved vulva and full legs. The figure is sculpted fully 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 practice and possibly funerary or ritual contexts. The dark grey-black marble flakes create a pronounced visual texture and give the surface a distinctive dimensional quality. Condition: completely intact and in excellent state of preservation, with no restorations or repairs indicated. The surface retains traces of original polishing and tooling, together with small ancient cracks, pitting, sediment deposits and traces of ancient corrosion; according to the documentation, it was examined under magnification from 10x to 50x. Provenance: Russian-Polish collection formed by Stanisław Zimmerman between 1905 and 1939; subsequently with Stanisława Zimmerman and Roman Klejbach, then passed by descent in the 1970s–1980s to A. Wandel. Exhibited at 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.