Special Gallery

Figurine thought to represent a sleeping mother goddess or possibly a representation of Death

Figurine thought to represent a sleeping mother goddess or possibly a representation of Death and the eternal sleep. It was discovered in one of the painted galleries of the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum which was used as a cemetery. Country of Origin: Malta. Culture: Zebbug Phase. Date/Period: 3600 - 2500 BC. Place of Origin: Hal Saflieni. Material Size: Clay Height 12cm. Credit Line: Werner Forman Archive/ Malta National Museum of Archaeology. Location: 01

© Werner Forman Archive / Heritage-Images

Manuscript page with depiction of the owl and the symbol of antimony

Manuscript page with depiction of the owl and the symbol of antimony. The owl was considered by alchemists as the symbol of wisdom and darkness, while the antimony was thought of as the mother of all metals as it looked like one but did not chemically react as metal. Country of Origin: Czech Republic. Date/Period: 17th C. Place of Origin: Waldstein Residence at Duchcov. Credit Line: Werner Forman Archive/ Mnichovo Hradiste chateau library, Czech Republic

© Werner Forman Archive / Heritage-Images

Fat Lady figurine, one of the 30 seated or squating figurines which comprise

"Fat Lady" figurine, one of the 30 seated or squating figurines which comprise the "Hagar Qim Group". Each statuette was carved to complement a companion giving thus the impression of "twinning". The figurines are headless but specially carved shafts with counter holes indicate that they had interchangeable heads. Country of Origin: Malta. Culture: Ggantija phase Perods/Date: c. 3600 - 3200 BC Place of Origin: Hagar Qim temple. Material/ Size: Clay height 23cm. Credit: Werner Forman Archive/ Malta National Museum of Archaeology. Location: 01

© Werner Forman Archive / Heritage-Images