The Chalcolithic figurines of Aegina-Kolonna
A group of 27 Final Neolithic figurines of the Attica-Kephala Group (4000–3800 BC) were discovered at Kolonna on Aegina in the Saronic Gulf. Some of them have analogies in the Aegean and the Balkans and point to an exchange network which distributed objects of ritual meaning. Details of their production and placement in the bowl indicate that they were part of a ritual act.
In 1994, excavations conducted by Florens Felten under the auspices of the University of Salzburg at the well-known harbour site of Kolonna on Aegina produced a most interesting context of 27 Final Neolithic figurines of the Attica-Kephala Group (4000–3800 BC). Some of them have analogies in the Aegean and the Balkans and point to an exchange network which distributed objects of ritual meaning. Others are characterized by their local character, among them male as well as asexual figurines with pointed removable caps indicating a special function and status of the wearer.
A pit context under the floor of a Final Neolithic house contained 18 intentionally deposited figurines, six entire and six fragmented figurines from the upper part of the pit, and six entire figurines which were deposited in miniature bowls in the lower part of the pit. Two figurines were placed into the bowls separately and four in pairs. The pairs consisted of figurines of the same type but of different size so that we can argue that they were connected by social ties. Details of their production as well as their adhering in the bowls make us argue that they were part of a ritual act which included production and arrangement of the figurines and the bowls.