A Vinča Terracotta Figure of a Woman, Neolithic Period, Vinča C, Vinča-Pločnik-Phase I, 5000-4700 B.C., Neolithic Period, Vinča C, Vinča-Pločnik-Phase I, 5000-4700 B.C.

with broad hips, prominent navel, and outstretched perforated arms, and wearing a v-neck top and broad skirt with cross-hatching in front, her head with deep parallel grooves beneath gracefully arched eyes with pointed outer corners, the ears pierced, the details engraved.

Austrian private collection, Vienna, acquired in the 1950s/1960s
Richter Gallery, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
acquired from the above by the present owner on December 19th, 1991

Entire proper left arm restored, proper left ear, outer corner of left eye, left cheek, chin, and entire neck are covered in paint, making it unclear how much is restored and how much is original, and whether the head belongs with the body, base chipped in back near proper right end.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cf. S. Hansen, Bilder vom Menschen der Steinzeit. Untersuchungen zur anthropomorphen Plastik der Jungsteinzeit und Kupferzeit in Südosteuropa, Archäologie in Eurasien, vol. 20, 2007, vol. 2, plate 252, no. 19. Also see Christie's, New York, June 9th, 2011, no. 67.

For still standard literature on the subject see O. Höckmann, Die menschengestaltige Figuralplastik der südosteuropäischen Jungsteinzeit und Steinkupferzeit, in der Reihe Tackenberg - Narr (Münstersche Beiträge zur Vorgeschichtsforschung), vols. 3-4, 1968. More recently, and for a more general approach, see M. Gimbutas, The Gods and Goddesses of Old Europe 7000 to 3500 BC: Myths, Legends and Cult Images, 1974, ad loc.