#cycladic

Hatsune Miku as a Cycladic idol from the Neolithic period. Reference used:

Flying fish fresco fragments of a seascape frieze, 1600-1500 BC. Phylakopi, Melos (Milos, volcanic Greek island in the Aegean Sea). Collection National Archeological Museum, Athens, Greece

The fresco decorated the wall of a room in a compound of religious character. Blue, red and black (for the outline) are used to create one of the most beautiful wall paintings of the Aegean, with obvious influences from Minoan Crete.

Terracotta kernos (vase for multiple offerings), Cycladic - ca. 2300–1900 BCE

The kernos was a popular type of vessel in the Mediterranean world during the prehistoric period, and particularly impressive examples have come to light in the Cyclades. This vase reflects the potter’s great skill and creativity. The two rings of receptacles probably held multiple offerings, such as flowers, fruit, and other foods. Similar kernoi have been discovered in tombs on the island of Melos.

This terracotta vessel was discovered during excavations on the island of Syros, in Greece, and it's attributed to the Cycladic culture.

The figurine measures just 10.8cm tall. Most of the body is hollow, and an opening in the side of the cup connects to the inner chamber of the figurine, allowing liquid to pour through.

According to this article:

It is generally interpreted as a hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor), an animal which can still be found on several Cycladic islands. The back is decorated with a netted pattern of crossing lines, perhaps representing the spikes. In its paws it holds a common conical cup which is connected through an opening to the hollow body of the animal.

This paper also adds:

... the animal has a painted cross-hatching or “net” pattern on its back, while on its belly, legs and paws a series of parallel, horizontal lines are painted. The lines on the animal’s back could signify the rows of spines on a hedgehog, especially since the animal appears to be in a ‘hunched’ position at the shoulders. Similarly, the horizontal lines on the abdomen may signify the motion of the hedgehog when it rolls itself into its characteristic ball shape.

Hedgehogs were prevalent across the Aegean in the Bronze Age and still are today. Because they are known to hibernate, they are associated with Death and Regeneration, which explains why they are often found in cemeteries and tombs. Ancient beliefs include the power to rejuvenate, beautify, have an influence over sexual activity, and ability to heal wounds (when the fat of the animal is applied).

Some early sources describe the vessel as a "small bear" instead, though there is no evidence that bears have ever inhabited the Cycladic islands.

The vessel was unearthed at the cemetery of Chalandriani. Hedgehog-shaped vessels have also been found at several other Bronze Age cemeteries throughout the Cyclades, but this is by far the most eye-catching (and most well-preserved) example.

A wheeled hedgehog figurine from ancient Iran was also featured in one of my previous posts.

Sources & More Info:

University of Groningen: The Early Bronze Age Cemetery at Chalandriani on Syros (PDF)

University of Oklahoma: Zoomorphic Representations in Early Cycladic Art (PDF)

Kernos (vase for multiple offerings), terracotta (ca. 2300–1900 BCE) Cycladic potters created this complex ritual vessel to hold a variety of offerings such as flowers, fruit, and grains. The Cyclades were a group of seafaring people inhabiting a circle of islands in the Aegean Sea who developed a unique Bronze Age culture known for its distinct marble figures and sophisticated pottery.

The piece was discovered in 1829 by a British naval officer while exploring the island of Melos. Loc. Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Dim. 34.6 cm H (13 5/8 in.).

A Cycladic marble head,

Late Spedos Variety, Early Cycladic II, c. 2500-2400 B.C.

6⅛ in (15.5 cm) high.