The Dreamer of Malta - 4000 BC
This is a spectacular monument to Neolithic art. It is located within a unique, enormous underground temple on the island of Malta and is built from solid rock. The temple is part of an enormous, labyrinthine underground sanctuary known as The Hypogeum and it probably served as the ceremonial centre of the island, encompassing more than 6,000 square metres on three levels. This catacomb-like structure seems to have been at once a temple, tomb and a healing centre.
The main hall leads into the oracle room, called the Tarxien Temple, where two identical small structures of a woman were found lying on the floor where they were probably left when the shrine was abandoned. The woman is called The Dreamer of Malta.
The Dreamer is currently housed at the National Museum of Archaeology, Valletta, Malta.
Height: 16cm / 6 ins;
Length: 25cm / 10 in.
Weight: 2.6 kg / 5 lb 4 oz
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