- Characteristics of the Venus of Valdivia
- Materials and clothing
- Uses and functions of the Venus of Valdivia
- Other venus in the world
- References
The Venus of Valdivia are figures carved in clay or stone that represent a woman. They are the product of the Valdivia culture, an archaeological culture established in Ecuador 3,000 years before Christ.
One of the main characteristics of the figures is the great enhancement they make to the female figure. Always naked, the Venuses emphasize the female hips, thighs and breasts, showing them imposing. The same thing happens with hair too, having very large hairstyles.
According to various archaeological studies, in the Valdivia culture women had hairstyles that varied in size depending on their social hierarchy.
Characteristics of the Venus of Valdivia
Although they all follow a model with defined characteristics, the Venuses were a popular creation product on the western coast of Ecuador for more than 2,000 years, so it is understandable that small differences have arisen between so many figures.
The Venus are naked, without any clothing that covers any part of their bodies. They have their arms in front, either with their hands joined or their arms crossed.
On some occasions the statues do not include arms, their upper limbs ending at the shoulders.
The face is practically flat and expressionless, although the eyes and mouth, despite being only subtle lines, give it a certain degree of humanity. Some Venus seem to be smiling or making a surprised gesture.
Lastly, the hairstyle is very large and covers her entire head. Women of the time wore similar hairstyles; the greater their size, the greater their hierarchy in their social group, so surely the Venus were based on the important women of that time.
Materials and clothing
Among the different figures of Venus found, only the use of two materials is observed for their manufacture; stone and clay / mud.
The chronology of the elaboration of the figures shows that the oldest were made of stone and the most recent of clay.
It is quite probable that during the course of its existence the Valdivia culture discovered materials much easier to mold than solid stone in clay and clay.
Uses and functions of the Venus of Valdivia
For a long time the purpose of creating these figures has been debated.
The most accepted theory opts for mythological reasons, being used as a symbol of fertility. It was precisely for this reason that she represented the naked woman with prominent features.
Many venus were found in fields and ancient agricultural crops. If its function was to be a symbol of fertility, dropping a figure when sowing would be an omen of good luck for a profitable harvest.
Other venus in the world
Many cultures around the world have molded the female figure in stone, clay, bone, wood and precious metals during human history. Sometimes as a symbol of fertility or beauty.
This indicates that for centuries it has been sought to exalt the female figure for its quality of creating and giving life.
Perhaps the best-known case is that of the Venus of Willendorf, a statuette that also enhances female features.
References
- Venus Figurines (nd). Retrieved on October 26, 2017, from Ancient Wisdom.
- Jessica Ninasunta (nd). Venus of Valdivia. Retrieved on October 26, 2017, from Cultura Valdivia.
- Valdivia culture (nd). Retrieved on October 26, 2017, from Enciclopedia del Ecuador.
- Venus of Valdivia (nd). Retrieved on October 26, 2017, from Indigenous Peoples.
- Helaine Silverman, William Isbell (2008). Handbook of South American Archeology.
- Ampa Galduf (November 30, 2012). Prehistoric Venus, goddesses or amulets? Retrieved on October 26, 2017, from Arquehistoria.