Short Description:
An ancient Pre-Columbian fertility figurine from Ecuador, carved in stone, representing a stylized female form with pronounced features symbolizing fertility and womanhood.
Dimensions:
Height: 8 cm
Width: 4 cm
Depth: approx. 2.5 cm
Gallery:
Longer Description:
This hand-carved female figurine originates from the Ecuadorian coastal region and is likely associated with the Valdivia culture (circa 3500–1500 BCE), one of the oldest known settled cultures in the Americas. The Valdivia people are well-known for their stylized ceramic and stone female figurines, often used in fertility rituals or as spiritual icons.
The figurine features a broad head with incised facial markings, a rounded body with prominent breasts and hips, and slightly abstracted limbs. These features are classic traits of fertility figures, emphasizing reproduction and the maternal form. Its surface patina and wear suggest significant age and handling, possibly through generations. This artifact is a compelling example of early symbolic expression and the cultural importance of femininity in ancient South American societies.