Cypro-Archaic and Cypro-Classical Periods 2, 750 to 310 BC
Some figurines exhibited here, such as the horse and the rider, were made by hand-modelling, while others were partly wheel-thrown. Moulded figures or plaques are represented by a ‘naked goddess’ or Astarte figure. The manufacturing technique and form of these figures was introduced from the Syro-Palestinian coast, and they generally imitate eastern types.
Some of the Phoenician and Egyptian gods and goddesses introduced at this time were assimilated with Greek divinities. Astarte, the Phoenician goddess was assimilated with Aphrodite. Figurines depicting musicians, such as the tambourine player, may have been associated with the Aphrodite-Astarte cult.
At least eight different workshops involved in the manufacture of figurines have been identified in Cyprus. Figurines from workshops at Lapithos, Kition and Amathus are represented in the National Museum’s collection.
