The Owl Goddess Figurine

I am fascinated by ancient goddesses and the evidence that exists about matrifocal/egalitarian cultures that existed prior to the invention of the written word. As an extension of my interest, I belong to a small group of women who meet monthly to discuss our lives, the goddess, myths, symbols, dreams, archetypes and more.

As I was hosting the May meeting, I was responsible for choosing a discussion topic or activity. I decided to give each participant a lump of polymer clay from which she could model her own personal goddess figurine.  Our only tools were sticks with one end sharpened. Though the clay was not natural, I still wanted us to enjoy the primitive process of molding by hand - and creating something that could be held in one’s hand and used as a fetish or charm, if desired.

Though we’d been VERY chatty before I brought out the clay, everyone fell silent as they began to knead and create. We each became absorbed in the process. The finished goddesses were all very different from one another. Some people had taken great care modeling detailed facial features. One woman’s goddess had wings. Another’s wore a crown.

Mine, shown at left, resembled the very primitive goddess statuettes that have survived from the stone ages. The face I pinched out is rather owl-like. She has no arms or feet. She has rudimentary breasts. After making her hips and legs, I realized the lower half of her body looks like a vulva. I mapped out her pubic triangle by poking holes. She represents a powerful, wise, intuitive goddess. Her curvy little body fits comfortably in my hand. She is meant to be handled, unlike more fragile art dolls that are mainly designed to be gazed upon.

(This post relates to Art Doll number 41, Owl Goddess Figurine, May 09, by Stacey Apeitos.).