Mothers of Time

Figurines: The Ochre Lady

So called because of the ochre coating that colours its unspoiled surfaces, this figurine is typical of Gravettian statuary from Western Europe. It has the characteristic overfullness of the buttocks, stomach and breasts. The artist seems to have given special attention to the treatment of the various body parts the headdress or hair still bears traces of fine wavy lines. The demarcation of the pubis is also pronounced, which is unusual in statuettes from the Balzi Rossi and France. Finally, a perforation has been hollowed out from the back and sternum, indicating that this figurine was used as a pendant.

The piece was made from a fragment of bone or ivory and shows many signs of deterioration, ancient and recent. It is approximately 75 millimetres high.