Psi-shaped figurine on display at the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Genève
Tau-, Psi- and phi- type Greek terracotta figurines date back to 1450–1100 BC in Mycenaean Greece. They were typically small (about 10cm high), made of terracotta, although a group of ivory figurines has been found,[1] and were found in tombs, shrines and settlement areas. They are classified by their shape and a resemblance to the Greek letters of tau (τ), psi (ψ) and phi (Φ), according to a typological system created by Arne Furumark in 1941.[2]
Their function/purpose is unknown, although it has been suggested that their purpose changed with the context in which they were found. Possible uses were children's toys,[1] votive figurines or grave offerings.
Some figurines appear to wear flattened headdresses, which suggests they may be goddesses.[3] However, it is difficult to distinguish between goddesses and worshippers. It is likely that they were made by the same craftsmen who made Mycenaean vases, as the decoration techniques are similar.[3]
Examples of such figurines are held by the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art (Athens),[4] the British Museum (London),[5] and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York) among other places.[6]
Psi and phi type figurines
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