The Venus of Malta

dimensions 13cm high

National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta

This fine, well-polished terracotta statuette discovered at Ħagar Qim temples in 1839, depicts a standing female figure.

Her left hand is folded across the abdomen below large pendant breasts, whilst the right hand rests on her thigh. Anatomical details are realistically rendered: the clavicles are distinctively indicated, as are the shoulder blades and the groove between the vertical spinal muscles. The abdomen presents transverse folds, while knees and buttocks are finely modelled. Traces of red pigment are noticeable on the surface.

The figurine was discovered near the main altar of the temple complex, and was probably employed in religious fertility cults.