Idol of Pomos

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Idol of Pomos
Idol of Pomos, Cyprus Archaeological Museum.jpg
Material Soapstone
Createdc. 2750 BC
Discoveredbefore 2008
Pomos, Paphos, Cyprus
Present location Nicosia, Nicosia District, Cyprus
Idol of Pomos depicted on Cypriot EUR 2 coin Eurocoin.cy.200.gif
Idol of Pomos depicted on Cypriot € 2 coin

The Idol of Pomos is a stone prehistoric sculpture found near the Cypriot village of Pomos. It dates back to the Chalcolithic period, around 2750 BC. [1]

Contents

The sculpture is on display in the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia.

Symbolism

The sculpture probably represents a woman crouching with her arms spread. The gender is assumed from many similar sculptures found in Cyprus with small protrusions on their chests to indicate the female gender. These figurines were probably used as a fertility symbol. Bleda During, however, suggests that these figurines represent a sort of dance. [2] Smaller versions were worn as amulets around the neck, just as this idol wears (a small copy of) itself.

Euro

In 2008, Cyprus adopted the Euro. The Idol, a representation of Cypriot prehistoric art, was chosen to be displayed on the Cypriot euro coins of 1 and 2 euro. [3]

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References

  1. "premierdmc.com.cy". Archived from the original on 2012-09-11. Retrieved 2010-02-08.
  2. During, Bleda (2023). "Reconsidering Cruciform Figurines of Chalcolithic Cyprus". In During, B.S.; Akkermans, P.M.M.G. (eds.). Style and Society in the Prehistory of West Asia: Essays in Honor of Oliver P. Niewenhuyse. Leiden: Sidestone Press. pp. 149–156. Retrieved Aug 4, 2024.
  3. "nbbmuseum.be". Archived from the original on 2012-03-03. Retrieved 2010-02-08.