Iron Age figurine found in Bavaria

The clay figurine of the Iron Age is a new unique find in Bavaria (Germany). The artifact was made between the 8th and 6th centuries. BC e. and belongs to the late period of the Hallstatt culture. The figurine was discovered during excavations in Mönchstockheim, where a highway is planned to be built soon. Once there was an underground source of water, which was used by local residents of nearby settlements. The height of the figurine is 19 cm, but it could have been several centimeters larger, since the lower part is badly damaged and a small fragment is missing.

The face has clear features with emphasized eye sockets, nose, lips and chin. In the head you can see 10 holes - five to the right and left of the face. Probably, in this way the master wanted to depict a headdress with metal rings - a characteristic female adornment for the Hallstatt culture. Such figurines have not yet been found on the territory of Bavaria. There are only a few similar products that are much older, and they were found in the Black Sea region.

In addition to the figurine, archaeologists unearthed many glass fragments, fragments of pottery, and bone tools. They were placed here for ritual purposes, possibly dedicated to a water deity. This also applies to the statuette, which was not only a ritual offering - it could also be attributed to a special supernatural power. Look for ancient figurines and other artifacts on Violity.