Maltese Prehistory 1

During the Temple Period (4000-2500 BC), the human figure is represented in stone or clay. Figures are modelled or carved in varying sizes, from very small to colossal. The figures are obese, and are often depicted in standing or seated positions. The heads of the most of them are missing, but a few of the figures have sockets where separate heads could be attached. These figures have often been referred to as goddesses, but most examples do not have any clear male or female attributes. One exception is a standing figurine modelled in clay, which is a natural representation of a woman’s body. These figures were probably used in temple rituals, but who did they represent? Were they made to remind prehistoric communities of their ancestors? Or did they represent priests or leaders? We may never know.

Double-figure stone statuette. This is the most complete and remarkable sculpture from the Xaghra Circle, depicting a miniature, highly detailed seated pair of corpulent figures.
Photos: Füsun Kavrakoğlu, 2016.

The Hagar Qim group of seated or squatting figures represent a single group composition thus giving the impression of twinning. The figures are headless, but some have a specially carved shaft with counter holes designed to hold a head. The Hagar Qim group suggests that in some cases, figures were originally meant to have separate heads.

The Venus of Malta, from Hagar Qim, is a remarkable representation which reflects a high level of artistic achievements in modeling. In particular, the back of this figurine reflects a very realistic rendering of anatomical features.

The Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Archaeological Park

Tempji Neolitici Tal-Ggantija (UNESCO World Heritage)