Cyprus Artefacts
The material culture of Cyprus displays in abundance the unique nature of Cypriot society and civilisation. Although often influenced by outside styles the Cypriot artists and artisans often created or adapted them to suit their own ends. Foreign imports were always popular though and some of the artefacts found on Cyprus show fantastic artistry. Unfortunately many of the artefacts found in museums around the world have lost their original context and can tell us much less about the history of Cyprus than those artefacts excavated today using modern archaeological techniques. Tomb robbing is still an issue for Cyprus and even small items such as pot sherds should never be taken as souveniers when visiting sites. Below are some photographs of Cypriot archaeological artefacts for your enjoyment.
Cypriot, Picrolite cruciform figurine, Chalcolithic, period, 3900-2500BC. 51-11-5, classic design with arms outstretched, elongated neck and knees raised, currently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and part of the Rogers Fund.
Cypriot, Red Lustrous Wheelmade (RLWM) Lentoid Flask, 1600-1050BC. 74.51.1312, currently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and part of the Cesnola collection.
Cypriot, Archaic head of a man, ca 600 BC. Possibly from Amathus. 74.51.1458, currently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and part of the Cesnola collection.
Cypriot, Archaic barrel jug with strainer, decorated with large bird and flanked with lotus flowers, ca 750-600BC. . 74.51.517, currently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and part of the Cesnola collection.
Cypriot, Late Classical head of a man with wreath. 4th Century BC. Said to be from sanctuary of Pomos, northwest Cyprus. 74.51.1475, currently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and part of the Cesnola collection.
North African Pottery, ca 220-250 AD. Imported to Cyprus. 74.51.383, currently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York and part of the Cesnola collection.