Neolithic Figurines of Western Europe

Abstract

Western Europe is distinguished from regions to the east, and indeed from the Central Mediterranean, by the relatively scarcity of Neolithic figurines. Figurines in durable materials such as stone, bone or terracotta are furthermore divided among a series of regional traditions that are separated in both space and time. A number of explanations suggest themselves, from intentional avoidance (Thomas 2005) to use of perishable materials, or simply perhaps diversity of ritual practice, diversity of representational practice, and social context. The focus here will be on human representations, rather than on zoomorphic figurines; although the latter are known in a number of areas, including the Baltic, and in Bandkeramik contexts (Götherström et al. 2002; Hofmann 2012; Riche et al. 2010). It should be noted, however, that several aspects of the conventional terminology may not accurately capture the symbolism and significance of figurines for these prehistoric communities. There is sometimes evidence, for example, of the elision of human and animal features (Hofmann 2012; Martinsson-Wallin 2008). Furthermore, the relationship between figurines (small scale portable artefacts) and human, or potentially human, representations in other media, such as rock art or megalithic art, must be emphasised. Among megalithic art, particular relevance attaches to statue-menhirs whose overtly human forms should be viewed within the growing recognition that many megalithic blocks of less overtly human form may also have held anthropomorphic connotations (Bueno Ramírez 2010; L’Helgouach 1997; Scarre 2007, 2011a).