Orkney Venus , Westray Wifie
- In stock, ready to ship
- Inventory on the way
Details
When she was discovered in the summer of 2009, this charming little figure was considered the earliest representation of a human being found in Scotland. Excavated at the Links of Noltland, Orkney, the Westray Wifie raised many questions about her use and significance to the people of the time.
For around 5000 years, she lay hidden in the decaying rubble of a Neolithic farmhouse, which had once stood, surrounded by impressive boundary walls, in the middle of a productive network of fields. Later it appears that the structures use changed, and it may have served as a storehouse or animal pen. The house walls began to collapse at some point, and the Stone Age people living and working the land put the site to use as a midden. It was amongst this midden debris and rubble that archaeologists found the precious little figure of the Orkney Venus.
Her location amongst the midden material suggests she was placed there after the farmhouse fell into disuse as a dwelling, possibly as an offering.
Several theories have arisen about her original function, including use as a pendant with the cord wrapped into the groove of her neck. Made with decoration on front and back, it seems her maker intended her to be viewed from all angles. Perhaps as a toy or a deity. However, there is little evidence of wear from being handled or of a cord having been tied onto her, suggesting she found her resting place shortly after being created.
The original of this enchanting little figure was hand-carved out of sandstone, so we use sandy clay when crafting each of our figures to best emulate the authentic texture of the piece.
Materials
Smoke fired Terracotta
Dimensions
Approx 45 mm tall 30 mm wide 15 mm depth.
Variations
When choosing a colour variation, please be aware that the colour and mottling vary with each Venus, giving each one an individual character due to the firing process. But we will select your Venus according to your preference.
Production
This goddess has been handmade in a small pottery workshop in Northumberland.
Postage
All items are sent using a second class postal service; if you wish to have an item sent first class, please contact me for a quote. Many Thanks
SHIPPING
We ship our fabulous replicas worldwide.
Shipping costs are worked out during checkout. They are based on where you are and how heavy your parcel is.
All UK items are sent using a second-class postal service.
All International items are sent using an international tracked service. Your tracking number will be sent to you via email.
If you wish to have an item sent via another service or have not received your tracking number, please get in touch with us.
Many Thanks
RETURNS
If you aren't completely satisfied with your Potted History piece, please get in touch to organise a return. Please email us at: clare@rothburycreates.co.uk.
Then you can return it in an unused condition within 30 days, and we'll refund you for the item. We don't try to baffle you with nonsense terms and conditions. Including your order number with the returned package will speed things up. Please leave any packaging intact.
Our returns address is:
Potted History, Gregory Court, Rothbury, Northumberland, NE65 7SW