Pearls of Wisdom: The Arts of Islam at the University of Michigan

While only the head remains of this small statuette, its features are carved delicately. A thin brow surmounts its wide-open eyes, which are especially large in relation to the minute nose and mouth. Great attention has been paid to other details, including the pierced ears. These holes may have enabled the affixing of a miniature wig or earrings. The purpose of these small bone figurines remains unclear. They may have functioned as amulets as well as children's toys.

Bibliography: Rodziewicz 2012, 9–20, pls. 45, 102, and 106; Bacharach and Rodenbeck 2002; and Scanlon 1968, 16–17; 1964.