Goddess figurine from North Macedonia reveals Neolithic ritual practices 7,800 years ago. Clay sculpture called 'Great Mother' discovered in 1981 at Tumba Madžari settlement Located in North Macedonia Dated to 7,800 years ago (5,800-5,200 BC)
The 7,800-year-old "Great Mother" figurine from Tumba Madžari! This 39cm clay sculpture has a cube-shaped lower half mimicking Neolithic house design. Hollow bottom suggests it was used as an altar for incense and grain offerings. Unique shape only found in the Balkans 🏠
Key Facts
- Clay sculpture called 'Great Mother' discovered in 1981 at Tumba Madžari settlement
- Located in North Macedonia
- Dated to 7,800 years ago (5,800-5,200 BC)
- Measures 15.4 inches (39 cm) tall
- Cube-shaped lower half mimics design of Stone Age houses
- Depicts human figure with prominent nose, belly, and breasts
- Linear eyes positioned beneath arched eyebrows
- Arms bent downward with hands placed on boxy bottom half
- Hair gathered into ponytail or braid with traces of brown paint on forehead
- Found in house measuring approximately 26 by 26 feet
- House built in traditional Neolithic style with wooden posts interwoven with branches and clay
- Hollow bottom suggests use as altar for incense, dried herbs, and grain offerings
- Dozens of complete ceramic pots, cups, and jugs found nearby
- Similar figurines found at other Neolithic European and Near Eastern sites
- Unique shape reflecting symbolic relationship between mother goddess and house found only in Balkans
Related site: Tumba Madžari — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: LIVE: Prehistoric Archaeology News From Around the World by The Prehistory Guys