History, Archaeology and Museology

The present study aims to put forward details about an anthropomorphic clay figurine, accidentally discovered in Tibru (Cricău Village), Alba county. The female figurine is modelled in a schematic manner and it has been found complete. Due to the nature of the discovery and the lack of any archaeological context, the figurine was examined only macroscopically following indicative details such as the manufacturing technique and the manner in which the surface was handled. The eyes are depicted by using two short incised lines, furthermore, it’s nose and the breasts were modelled from the same piece of clay. On the posterior side, the hair is outlined using shortincised lines and it may express a certain hairstyle. Anteriorly, below the breasts area, the figurine has an orifice, conceivably the anatomical representation of the belly button (umbilicus) or the pelvic area. Regarding these representations, the scientific literature accepts different connotations commencing with the presumption that they could represent ludic objects (made by or for children within the community), portrayals concerning spiritual beliefs and deities, deceased individuals or representations of members from the group. Based on the analogies and manufacturing technique (schematically modeled, accentuated base), the artefact belongs to the Starčevo – Criş (III-IV) cultural horizon. The schematic depiction with accentuated base corresponds to the modeling pattern of the Early Neolithic period, therefore, it can be included in the category of cylindrical representations with an accentuated base.