Currently on display at the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum at Miami University (RCCAM), this female figure of unknown provenience sits amongst a collection of other Mesopotamian figures and artifacts. The “Amlash” type refers to this style of figure attributed to a region in Northwest Iran, where many illicit excavations took place in the mid-20th century. Easily distinguished by the highly exaggerated female form, figures such as this are often regarded as fertility symbols by modern archaeologists and art historians. Other theories surrounding the nature and purpose of these figures propose their function as idols, depictions of goddesses, ritual objects, or objects made in reverence to the female form.
This style points to the important roles of women within their societies, a theme that transcends time and geography. Found across the world, these stylized forms share similar messages despite differences in their cultures and time periods. Dating back nearly 30,000 years, the Venus of Willendorf remains one of the most widely-recognized female figures, and may have served a similar purpose as this “Amlash” figure.
The “Amlash” figure stands taller than the other two Ancient Middle Eastern female figures on display at 12 ½ inches tall, though it contains significantly less detail. This figure has no incised patterns and lacks distinct facial features. While smaller, the other two figures, from modern-day Syria, both have recognizable facial features and intricate detailing incised into their torsos. The three figures have two holes in each ear, originally used to display earrings or other precious stones. Each Ancient Middle Eastern figure on display at the RCCAM is made of terracotta, though other figures vary in medium, reflecting their geographical origins.
Gifted by Walter Farmer, this piece has remained a staple of Miami University’s collections since 1969, incorporated into the Art Museum’s collection in 1978. Located in the Global Perspectives gallery, this piece sits alongside other artifacts from cultures around the world, many of which were also donated by Mr. Farmer.
Female Figure (left)
Syria, 1900-1750 BCE
Terracotta
5 1/16 x 2 5/16 x 15/16 inches
Gift of Walter I. Farmer, 1978.S.2.19
Female Figure with Headdress (right)
Syria, 1900-1750 BCE
Terracotta
4 1/2 x 1 5/8 x 3/4 inches
Gift of Walter I. Farmer, 1978.S.2.27
While the exact purpose of these figures remains a mystery, in part hindered by the lack of known archaeological context of these items, their prominence throughout the archaeological record illustrates their cultural significance. Though widely open to interpretation, the figures demonstrate the importance of women in their respective cultures and highlight the need for comparative analysis to understand both the form and function of artistic and archaeological works.
Further Reading
Capel, A. & Markoe, G. 1996, Nos. 21 and 25 in Edna C. Southard (ed.) Ars Longa, Vita Brevis: Ancient Art from the Walter Farmer Collection. Oxford: Miami University Art Museum, pp. 42, 46-47.
Kathleen Perkins is a Senior at Miami University majoring in Anthropology and Professional Writing with minors in Archaeology and Museums & Society. Kathleen is currently serving as a Curatorial Intern at the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum, and she is also involved in the Anthropology Department’s Collections Management team.
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