Freud As Collector

Mesopotamian cylinder seal / circa 1800 BC
Mesopotamian votive `nail' with the name of Gudea / circa 2135 BC
Syrian female figure / circa 1850 BC
Luristan terminal / circa 800 BC
Syrian libation spoon / circa 800 BC

Syrian female figure

This terracotta is a typical product of the Orontes Valley and dates from the early part of the Middle Bronze Age (c. 2000-1750 BC). Numerous examples of the type, both male and female, have been found at sites such as Hama, Qatna, Qadesh, and also at Tell Mardikh (Ebla). Although neither genitals nor breasts are represented on this particular figure, the shape of the hips and the high, pierced headdress suggest strongly that the subject is female. The contexts in which such figures have been found seem to be purely domestic, and the current trend is to interpret them as ornaments or even playthings rather than, as in Freud's day, fertility figures -particularly since figurines of the type have frequently been found associated with model beds, chariots and carts.