Recent archaeological excavations at Ayia Varvara-Asprokremos in Cyprus have uncovered the exciting find of a complete human figurine, thought to be between 10,500 to 11,000 years old and the earliest complete human figurine to be found in Cyprus.

The female statuette was found in a collection along with several other stone objects including a stone sphere and two flat cobbles. The cache of artefacts was used to mark the abandonment of what is believed to be a very early Neolithic site in central Cyprus. The finds will be used to aid the rewriting of the early prehistory of human civilisation on the island, offering evidence that man began to form agricultural settlements 500 years earlier than previously believed.

Excavations Reveal Manufacturing Activity

A large semi-subterranean building was also unearthed along with a simple light-roofed pit structure bearing evidence of further re-occupation through the discovery of a cluster of stake holes marking a second and similar roof. A collection of river stones and ground stone tools found on the floor of the site bore evidence of having been used for the processing of ochre. Further excavations continued to unearth proof of manufacturing activity and the processing of multi-coloured pigments in the form of pounding tools and grinders bearing ochre residues.

A number of chalk slabs were also discovered bearing evidence of cutting marks as well as ochre deposits, leading archaeologists to believe they were used as cutting boards. Two large pits have also been discovered, each lined with thick clay and showing signs of having been water storage facilities. All of the recent finds suggest that Cyprus was involved in the very early Neolithic world and therefore long-distance sea travel and seafaring communication must now be added to vital information regarding Neolithic development.

Ochre and its Uses

Ochre is a natural pigment containing hydrated iron oxide that is derived from the earth. It comes in various colours depending on the proportions of other ingredients and was used extensively in prehistoric and ancient times for paintings and facial decorations. Cave paintings as old as 350,000 have revealed different shades of ochre used to produce images that have stood the test of time.

Cyprus has always been renowned for exceptional mineral wealth as well as the typical Cyprus luxury holidays the island is currently famous for, with copper resources found within the Troodos Mountains as well as asbestos, sienna and ochre. There is still extensive quarrying of rocks and industrial minerals on the island with over 200 quarries producing materials for both local use and export.

Wealth of History

The recent archaeological finds will be welcome additions to a country already rich in prehistoric and ancient history. From the original settlement of humans in the Stone Age period to being conquered by the Romans in 58 BC, the island is an intriguing mix of outside influences that have left a legacy of carefully preserved remains still visible today.

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