The terracotta figurine dates to 1st century B.C. It was found during the excavations of the western cemetery of Thessaloniki, in Ramona neighborhood, along with a terracotta figurine of Aphrodite in a shell and a female dancer.
The young woman is depicted nude, in a seated, frontal pose, with a straight torso and tightly joined legs. Τhe right hand, bent at the elbow, comes forward and holds a flower, while the left hand, slightly bent, extends to the side, with fingers outstretched and adorned with rings. Between the breasts hangs a superimposed disc-shaped pendant, held by straps rendered in color, which is not preserved. An elaborate hairstyle, accompanied by an impressive leaf-shaped headdress and suchlike earrings, frames the expressionless face. Of the original color decoration of the figurine, only traces of white coating are preserved, visible mainly on the left hand.
The figurine is mould made on both sides and belongs to a much-discussed group of ancient artefacts found in tombs, sanctuaries, deposits, houses and workshops throughout the Mediterranean basin. Although these figures are usually freestanding, it is certain that they were accompanied by separately constructed seats, which, however, are rarely preserved.
There is a long and ongoing debate about their use and meaning, however they are usually referred to as “plaggones” (dolls), interpreted as children's toys/offerings and associated with rites of transition or coming of age ceremonies of little girls or young virgins who were about to be married. They are thus associated with deities who protect and guide young girls at all stages of their maturation, such as Artemis, Aphrodite, Hera, Persephone and the Nymphs. Subsequently, their nudity, their strict posture and their special adornment, are all related to the concept of fertility, marriage and childbearing, through which the main role of women in ancient Greek society is achieved.
You can see the exhibit in the permanent exhibition "Macedonia from the 7th c. BC to Late Antiquity", showcase 9.
