The Mycenaean Phi Figurine dates from the late Hellenic period which is about the Twelfth Century BC and focuses principally on the figure of Pi. This is a terracotta figurine which was quite common in those times and is usually found in considerable quantity at several sites with a Mycenaean provenance. The figure usually has the female as its main subject and shows different aspects such as clothing in long garments, strangely shaped heads.
The figures were usually based on three Greek letters that are Psi, Phi and Tau with the central one now concerning us. The figure seems to emphasise motherhood and it is assumed that this was the primary subject matter when it was conceived in the Minoan period. However it is also pretty much shrouded in mystery since there was not much emphasis by the Minoans on child nurturing in the artistic works of the late Minoan period (Olsen, 1998). In fact the woman who are found in Minoan iconography are usually depicted outside the domestic world while when one compares them with Mycenaean’s these are more often than not portrayed as child bearers and child nurturers emphasising the contrast in cultures. It seems that both cultures valued the role of women as child bearers but then differed on their role in a domestic sense since the Minoans rarely placed women within the family (Olsen, 1998).
However it is well known that female figures like these are very common in the Myceanean world especially in Greece and on the surrounding islands. The figures are quite elegant and are almost similar to the Greek alphabet letters which appear to have been important to the Mycenae civilisation.
The female in the Phi figurine is attired in a dress which is long and has quite an elaborate pattern. The position of the arms is also very important since they vary between raised as well as folded. Closer examination reveals that the figurines wear some sort of head dress which appears to be flattened. This seems to suggest that they are goddesses however since the figures are pre historic one cannot really tell if the Phi figure is a goddess or a normal human worshipper although the former is likelier.
Analysing the figures in further detail reveals that they could have been made by sculptors who also produced vases. The material used is simple clay and the exquisite designs on the figures resemble those found on vases from the same period. The figures are usually found in burial sites so they might have some connection with afterlife. They are probably some sort of female deity made to accompany the dead in their journey through the afterlife. However the figurines could have been used for other purposes and worship in different contexts. Sometimes the figures have also been described as Minoan Goddesses with Upraised Arms. Some have also been found in religious sites.
The Mycenae appear to have copied the style of the figure from Minoans with the rounded bodies and ample figures reflecting the Minoan penchant for depicting religious women figures. The comparison with Minoan culture continues to be found in other examples of Mycenaean architecture such as houses and religious centres as well as public areas. The figures are not consistent with human forms so the probability that they are deities increases.
Works Cited:
Olsen, Barbara A (Feb 1998). "Women, Children and the Family in the Late Aegean Bronze Age: Differences in Minoan and Mycenaean Constructions of Gender". World Archaeology 29 (3): 380–392. Retrieved 17 July 2012.
