Standing Woman, Proto-Phi Type

Phi type figurines, so-called because of their shape’s resemblance to the Greek Letter “phi,” are characteristic Mycenaean products both in their ubiquity and their similarity to contemporary ceramics. Handmade, and stylized in form and decoration, this example is typical of the early stages of the development of the type. It is identifiable by its arms, which are rendered as slight ridges at the edge of the chest, with the left arm at the breasts and the right arm at the stomach. Our example is small and light; it can be held comfortably by placing one’s fingers at the head and base, or alternatively, around the stem. Both approaches leave the head and chest unobstructed for contemplation.