Tanagra figurines are small terracotta women figurines found in the cemetery of Tanagra in
Boeotia in the late nineteenth century. These figurines were made in the late classical to the early Hellenistic period (late 400-100 BCE).during this period, figurines had already reached a certain popularity in different cultures and in Greece these Tanagra style figurines evolved from previously present figurine styles.
They were usually small in size, reaching up to 30 cm. they were made of a kind of red clay and were afterwards colored in a naturalistic way with water-soluble paints. The hair, lips, shoes, and accessories were colored in red whereas black colored the eyebrows, eyes, and other details. The skin was painted a pale orange pink,
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The figurines gave insight not only about the prosperity, but also religion and social practices at the place where they were found. They are thought to have played significant roles in displaying social difference within a community and expressing religious ideas. It can be said that these figurines are part of the treasures of Greek history and culture.
Work cited:
• Barr-Sharrar, B., 1990. Coroplast, Potter and Metalsmith. In: .P. Uhlenbock (ed.), The Coroplast’s Art. New York: Aristide D. Caratzas, Publisher, 31-36.
• Burr-Thompson, D., 1952. Three centuries of Hellenistic Terracottas. Hesperia: The Journal of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Vol. 21, No. 2, 116-164.
• Burr-Thompson, D., 1954. Three centuries of Hellenistic Terracottas, I, A AND C. Hesperia: The Journal of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Vol. 23, No. 1, 72-107.
• Burr-Thompson, D., 1966. The origin of Tanagras. American Journal of Archaeology Vol. 70, No. 1, 51-63.
• Houby-Nielsen, S., 2000. Child burials in ancient Athens. In: J.S. Derevenski (ed.), Children and material culture. London and New York: Routledge, 151-166.
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• Jeammet (ed.), Tanagra. Figurines for life and eternity. Paris: Bancaja,