The Functional Analysis of Clay Figurines of the Neolithic Period

Abstract

In general, the figurines belonging to the Neolithic (the New Stone Age) have rarely been under functional analysis. Nevertheless, three studies undertaken on the figurines unearthed from some places in the Middle East have presented some classifications for them, and attempted to study different results in terms of their application (Voight, M., 1983, pp.186-192). The first one is the published master's thesis in archaeology written by Broman (1958). In this thesis, just big collections of clay figurines in Jarmo were put under investigation. The second one, done by Yoko (1962), was an endeavor to explore the Egyptian and Cretan figurines (Crete Island). The third one, a master's thesis conducted by Nikerson, was conducted to investigate the figurines discovered from Alamut City in Melian, Iran. The methods adopted by these authors were utterly different. Broman presented the stimulating and original beliefs which are based on his own direct perception and experiment using modeling figurines. Yoko undertook his studies focusing on the ethnology of figurines, and in the end, itemized the characteristics associated with each category. Nikerson investigated evidence related to the way the figurines, found in Melian, were damaged or worn, and delved into their archeological forms and content. Scrutinizing and merging the abovementioned ideas, the present study was designed to examine and analyze the application of clay figurines of the Neolithic era and the way they were used.

DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n6s6p172