RYW Heritage: Syro-Hittite Terracotta Goddesidol
Masterpiece of Early Bronze Age Sculpture
Limited Access Token:
TBD
Discover the Mystery of an Ancient Syro-Hittite Idol
Experience a profound connection to one of humanity’s earliest civilizations with this remarkable Syro-Hittite terracotta idol, dating from the Early Bronze Age, ca. 2500–2000 BC.
Originating from the cultural crossroads of northern Syria and Anatolia, this powerful female figure features a stylized avian head with a pointed beak and circular incised eyes, an elongated flat body flaring at the base, and short bent arms resting on the chest. She is adorned with two elegant rows of applied circular appliqués forming a prominent necklace - a hallmark of fine craftsmanship from this period.
A striking example of early anthropomorphic art, this idol likely represents a protective goddess or fertility deity, created at a time when the pyramids of Egypt were still being built.
Key Features
- Origin: Syro-Hittite, Northern Syria / Anatolia, ca. 2500–2000 BC
- Material: Terracotta
- Dimensions: 135 mm × 35 mm
- Weight: 40 g
- Craftsmanship: Stylized avian head, applied circular appliqués, and expressive hand-modelled details
- Provenance: Private UK collection; acquired on the French art market in the 1980s. Cleared against the Art Loss Register database with confirmation letter
- Condition: Good condition for its great age. Complete and intact with expected surface wear, minor abrasions and small losses consistent with burial and 4000+ years of age. No major breaks or restorations.
This extraordinary 4000- to 4500-year-old artifact is far more than an ancient object - it is a silent witness to the dawn of human civilization. Now preserved by the RYW Club for future generations.
Join the Club Collection
Be among the first patrons to safeguard this chapter of ancient history.
By acquiring this NFT, you become part of something truly meaningful - not just a digital collectible, but an active guardian of a genuine cultural treasure.
As an NFT holder you receive:
🔵 Official Membership in the RYW Club - a Swiss non-profit association - with exclusive rights and privileges related to this artifact
🔵 A unique digital artwork - a one-of-a-kind NFT that captures the beauty and spirit of this ancient artifact
🔵 Shared stewardship of the physical artifact - the RYW Club owns and preserves the original object with full provenance for future generations
This is more than ownership. It is participation in the intentional preservation of real cultural heritage.
By acquiring this NFT, you become part of something truly meaningful - not just a digital collectible, but an active guardian of a genuine cultural treasure.
As an NFT holder you receive:
🔵 Official Membership in the RYW Club - a Swiss non-profit association - with exclusive rights and privileges related to this artifact
🔵 A unique digital artwork - a one-of-a-kind NFT that captures the beauty and spirit of this ancient artifact
🔵 Shared stewardship of the physical artifact - the RYW Club owns and preserves the original object with full provenance for future generations
This is more than ownership. It is participation in the intentional preservation of real cultural heritage.
Support Now ↗️
History
The Story Behind the Artifact
This powerful terracotta idol originates from the Early Bronze Age, ca. 2500–2000 BC - a formative period when some of the world’s earliest high civilizations were emerging in the Near East.
Created in the Syro-Hittite cultural sphere, the border region between ancient Syria and Anatolia, this figure reflects a time of significant cultural exchange between early Semitic peoples and proto-Hittite influences. Long before the rise of the classical Hittite Empire, this region was already a cradle of advanced artistic and spiritual expression.
With its striking stylized avian head, pointed beak, and large circular eyes, the figure is believed to represent a protective goddess or fertility deity. The elongated body with bent arms resting on the chest and the elaborate necklace of applied circular appliqués demonstrate sophisticated artistic conventions typical of this period. Such idols were likely used in domestic shrines or ritual contexts, serving as powerful symbols of divine protection and abundance.
This particular piece comes from a private UK collection and was originally acquired on the French art market in the 1980s. It has been cleared against the Art Loss Register and represents a well-documented example of Syro-Hittite terracotta art.
Restoration & Craftsmanship
Condition & Conservation
This exceptional Syro-Hittite terracotta idol is in good condition considering its extraordinary age of approximately 4,500 years.
Current State:
- Complete and structurally intact with no major breaks or losses
- Expected surface erosion and wear typical of long-term burial in soil
- Minor abrasions and small chips on raised areas (particularly on the necklace appliqués and edges)
- Natural patina and slight discoloration consistent with ancient terracotta
The RYW Club has conducted a professional conservation assessment of the piece. It is currently stored in climate-controlled conditions to prevent further deterioration, moisture absorption, or damage to the fragile terracotta structure. No modern restorations or reconstructions have been carried out, thereby fully preserving its authentic ancient character and archaeological integrity.
Provenance
Provenance & Ownership History
This Syro-Hittite terracotta idol has a solid and well-documented provenance for a piece of this age and type.
The figure was acquired on the French art market in the 1980s and subsequently entered a private UK collection, where it remained for several decades. It has been thoroughly checked and cleared against the Art Loss Register database, the world’s largest private database of stolen art, and comes with an official confirmation letter.
The piece has never been part of any public museum collection and has remained in private hands since its modern rediscovery, ensuring a clean chain of ownership free from recent excavation or illicit trade concerns.
Events
Exhibitions & Appearances
- 1980s: Acquired on the French art market
- Subsequent decades: Held in a private UK collection
This Syro-Hittite terracotta idol has primarily remained in private hands and has not been part of major public exhibitions to date — which is typical for many high-quality pieces of this period.
Future Events:
- Private viewings and member gatherings at the RYW Club Museum
- Possible exhibition loans to selected international museums
- Digital exhibitions and high-resolution 3D showcases within the RYW Heritage Collection
- Annual “Ancient Civilizations” member events featuring this and other artifacts
As an NFT holder, you will receive priority invitations to all future physical and virtual events related to this artifact, including exclusive behind-the-scenes access and expert talks.
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Access Token
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ContractCollection Description
RYW Heritage: Syro-Hittite Terracotta Goddess
Discover a profound connection to the dawn of civilization with this exceptional Syro-Hittite terracotta idol, dating from the Early Bronze Age, ca. 2500–2000 BC.
Carved with a striking stylized avian head, powerful circular eyes and adorned with two rows of finely applied circular appliqués, this rare female figure represents a protective goddess or fertility deity from one of humanity’s earliest high cultures.
Once part of a private UK collection and previously acquired on the French art market in the 1980s, this masterpiece of ancient Anatolian-Syrian craftsmanship now finds its permanent home in the RYW Club Museum.
Through this exclusive collection, a limited number of members can participate in the preservation of this authentic 4,500-year-old artifact. Each NFT represents official membership in the RYW Association and shared stewardship of this extraordinary cultural treasure from the time when the pyramids were rising in Egypt.
Join a select group of visionary patrons dedicated to protecting real history — with access to exclusive events, detailed digital archives, and behind-the-scenes insights into ancient civilizations.
True cultural preservation. Real ownership of the story.
Curator Fee
TBD
(cf.vaults)
Discover the full Details & Specifications
Membership Benefits
Welcome to the RYW Heritage Terracotta Goddesidol Collection – our inaugural initiative to preserve ancient heritage through community support. As one of the Syro-Hittite Terracotta Goddesidol supporters, you'll join a dedicated group of cultural enthusiasts.
Gain access to educational resources on collecting, storage, and history. Participate in community discussions and non-profit events focused on preservation. Your support helps maintain our collection for public education – a shared commitment to cultural legacy.
Association Membership Details
- Digital Documentation Tokens: Items (TBD) available for supporters
- Supporting Cultural Artifact: Syro-Hittite Terracotta Goddesidol (supports preservation efforts)
- Real-World Heritage Piece: Origin: Syro-Hittite, Early Bronze Age, ca. 2500–2000 BC | Material: Terracotta | Dimensions: 135 mm height, 40g weight | Condition: Very good original condition with typical surface erosion and minor losses consistent with its great age | Provenance: French art market (1980s), Private UK collection, cleared against Art Loss Register.
What utility and benefits do I get?
As a Heritage supporter, you unlock:
- Exclusive Access: Entry to the members-only platform and invitations to real-world events
- Live Interactions: Regular AMAs (Ask Me Anything), workshops, and talks with icons of the heritage scene
- Members-Only Products: First access and discounts on collabs, merch, and future drops
- Co-Creation Power: A foundational voice in shaping the future of the club through voting and ideation.
Disclaimer: The RYW Club is a non-profit association under Swiss law. These tokens provide membership access only – to events, archives, and educational materials. No ownership rights, no financial returns, and no investment value implied. See statutes for details.
Become a member and support this historic treasure.
Support Now ↗️
By clicking Support Now, you will be redirected to OpenSea – a third-party marketplace. The RYW Club is a non-profit association. Your support enables cultural preservation and grants membership access only. No ownership of assets, no financial returns, no investment value implied.
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