Bird Goddesses

I am smitten by Gimbutas' books on neolithic goddesses of Old Europe. These Cypriot clay figures from 1200-1400 years BCE are so alive and beguiling they must have been made with a sense of pleasure and humor. Excellent party guests, I am sure.

Then there are the abstract Cucuteni figurines from 44 - 45 centuries BC! They are right from the area of my ancestors. I feel related to these lovely beings.

There seems to be a direct relationship to contemporary Ukranian easter egg pysanky.