Waldstein, Charles: The Argive Heraeum (Band 1): General introduction, geology, architecture marble statuary and inscriptions (Boston [u.a.], 1902)

PRE MYCENAEAN TERRA COTTA IMAGES

43

Fig. 15. — Early stone "Pillar Image."
From the Heraeum.

,1 ■■' '

so as to make it hexagonal. This pillar could have served no architectural purpose of
which Ave know, and, standing upright as it does, with all the marks of the most primi-
tive workmanship, we are justified in believing that such an object of no intrinsic value,
which survived to the second century of our era, might be and is preserved to us now.

Of primitive idols in stone and marble chips, such as were found at Hissarlik, Paros,
Naxos, Amorgos, etc., we have no specimens
here at the Heraeum. On the other hand,
we have the richest collection ever found
of terra-cotta idols, presenting a new and
unbroken series from the very earliest to
the classical times, and though these terra-
cottas will receive more detailed treatment
in a special chapter by Dr. Chase and myself,
we must now consider them in their general
connection, and their bearing upon the
main point before us.

I may say at once that we find types of
" Mycenaean " figurines at the Heraeum,
but we also find a much larger number of
types distinctly earlier in an unbroken
series, amoner which Ave can distinguish at
least two categories.

The first and earliest type Avas probably developed out of the symbolic li'ton (Fig. 16).
The primitive coroplast has merely taken small lumps of clay, and has fashioned them
into a mere suggestion of a human form by indicating projections for the arms. The
lower portion of the body remains in rude, uneven roundness, and for the head he has
merely allowed the upper portion to be squeezed into an almost conical shape. There is
no Further articulation, and no distinction of sex. But this primitive coroplast is not as
yet tied down to any fixed conventionalized type, and so there is a gradual development
and progress in his naturalism within the narroAV range of his artistic poAver (Fig. 17).
Gradually the arms become more extended, the clay is pinched more firmly,
accentuating the waist still further, until, at last, the workman gives
another pinch betAveen his tAvo fingers to the portion which he has left
for the head, and proceeds to add tAvo minute globules of clay on either
side of this protuberance of the head to indicate the eyes. From this
moment he proceeds to elaborate this bird-like face, adding a round
circle of (day to the top, which is meant to indicate either the hair, or
more probably, in this case, the polos or early diadem of the goddess
Hera. Without indicating the sex of the figurine by means of modeling,
lie does so by the indication of dress ; and to the bird-like head is added
a series of ornate decorations running round the neck and breast from
shoulder to shoulder, which soon becomes one of the most striking
features in these Heraeum terra-cottas. In the special chapter on terra-
cottas, Ave shall deal with the question whether these ornaments are
necklaces Avith brooches at the shoulders, or scarves, or even Avreaths
of floAvers, or, finally, indicate an elaborate folding and ornamentation to the top of
the low-necked dress. We have summarized in a few words what really represents a
most varied series, illustrative of a very long and continuous development.

Fig. Hi. — Primi-
tive Terra-cot-
ta Figurine.

From tho Heraeum.



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