Seated Mother Goddess
ca 7000 BC

Catal Huyuk (Catal Hoyuk, Catalhuyuk) was an ancient Neolithic agricultural city in the Anatolia region of Turkey. It is the oldest settlement ever uncovered, dating from 7000—6000BC. It had numerous shrines, filled with small Goddess figurines, among them this seated Goddess. She sits in a throne, hands resting on her lioness or leopard companions, who were sacred to the Mother Goddess and popular protective images through Europe and the Middle East. She is apparently in the act of giving birth, radiating calm and a regal posture. This figurine was found in a grain bin, likely placed there to ensure harvests and protect the food supply. It has been argued that this Goddess began our understanding of the Great Mother Goddess.

Size: 5"x4"