fertility figures
The next few examples are considered to be " fertility figures " probable created to aid human reproduction through the magic and power they contained . figures 8.5 shows fertility statuettes from the middle to New kingdoms in Egypt. dared about 2000-1500 BCE and ranging from six to eight inches tall. The materials vary from clay and " faience " ( earthenware covered with opaque colored glazes) to linen and reed , as seen in the doll - like figure on the right . these figures were found in shrines of Hathor , the goddess of fertility . Some of the Figures have their genitals emphasized with simple incising in the clay . One is wearing the " isis Knot" on her back and is holding a baby . The isis Knot was and amulet worn to ensure fertility and long life . As with all cultures , the need for successful human reproduction was important to the Egyptians in order to carry on the family line and to contribute to the labor force . As is common to day , it was traditional to give a son his grandfather's name . With the prayer of these fertility statuettes placed before Hathor , women hoped for many sons.
the next small sculpture is a native american Patawatomi male figure ( love doll) from Wisconsin, dated 1800-1860 , and is nine inches in height ( figure 8.6 ). it is carved in wood and partly adorned in wool fabric . these figure-like carvings ( note