Head from Cycladic era at The Réunion des Musées Nationaux, Paris

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The Aegean archipelago known as the Cyclades stretches from Greece to Turkey. The term was coined in ancient times because the islands form a circular pattern centered around Delos, then considered sacred. During the Bronze Age and Archaic periods, the Cyclades had a unique culture and regained regional importance. Cycladic art is a distinctive style that originated on Aegean islands from 3300 to 2000 BCE. It's one of three major art forms in the region, alongside Minoan and Mycenaean styles. This marble head depicts a Cycladic idol found on Keros island around 2500-2000 BC. The artist remains unknown, but it's now displayed at the Louvre Museum. This sculpture is believed to be part of a larger statue featuring a nude woman with arms crossed under her breasts and a tilted head. Many Cycladic artworks depict nude figures in groups or families. These sculptures are easily recognizable due to their distinctive oval shape and single nose mark. Bodies in these works were abstract but proportionate, often found in Cycladic tombs from the Bronze Age. Contrary to previous beliefs, these statuettes likely symbolize death rather than being idols. Instead of representing deities, they resemble figurative tombstones or steles. This object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative that creates a digital archive of 3D printable artworks and landmarks worldwide for public access. The Cyclades are a group of islands situated between Greece and Turkey. The name was coined in ancient times because the islands form an approximate circle around the central island of Delos. During the Bronze Age and Archaic periods, the Cyclades regained regional importance. Cycladic art is a style that originated on Aegean islands from 3300 to 2000 BCE. It's one of three major art forms in the region, alongside Minoan and Mycenaean styles. This marble head depicts a Cycladic idol found on Keros island around 2500-2000 BC. The artist remains unknown, but it's now displayed at the Louvre Museum. The sculpture is believed to be part of a larger statue featuring a nude woman with arms crossed under her breasts and a tilted head. Many Cycladic artworks depict nude figures in groups or families. These sculptures are easily recognizable due to their distinctive oval shape and single nose mark. Bodies in these works were abstract but proportionate, often found in Cycladic tombs from the Bronze Age. Contrary to previous beliefs, these statuettes likely symbolize death rather than being idols. Instead of representing deities, they resemble figurative tombstones or steles. This object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative that creates a digital archive of 3D printable artworks and landmarks worldwide for public access.