Kourotrophos Figurines Recovered from Tatarlı Höyük

Abstract

Terracotta figurines, which hold a significant place in illuminating the cultural and artistic understanding of ancient societies, became widely used following the mastery of the mold-making technique. Beyond their role in cult ceremonies, these artifacts served as a reflection of daily life. Among the terracotta figurines, which encompass a remarkably diverse repertoire of subjects, those depicting the mother-child relationship occupy a prominent place. Mother and child representations, which first appeared during prehistoric eras, established a long-standing tradition that persisted even into Medieval art. Kourotrophos, a term meaning “child-nurturer/rearer,” is used to define figurines centering on this mother-child bond. It is known that various kourotrophos figurines, depicted in standing or seated poses and carrying children in diverse positions, existed during the Hellenistic Period. This article introduces the kourotrophos figurines unearthed during the excavations in the Citadel section of Tatarlı Höyük, located in Plain Cilicia. The kourotrophos figurines recovered from the Hellenistic layer of Tatarlı Höyük stand out for their provincial style rather than being products of major workshops. These figurines, dating to the Hellenistic period, are analyzed under two main types: women carrying children and women breastfeeding. Evaluated in terms of their context within the Hellenistic building levels and their stylistic characteristics, these finds shed light on the cult practices of the period.