Large dish (“dove vase”)
One of the rarest pieces created by Cycladic marble-carvers.
The vessel itself and the row of integral birds, most probably doves, on its internal diameter were carved from the same piece of marble. The position of the birds rather precludes a practical use and it is more likely that it was a ritual vessel most probably associated with cult practices. Birds appear quite frequently in Cycladic art, either incised on clay vases or carved in marble, or as amulets and beads.
EC Il period, Syros phase (2800-2300 BC).