To not know what this object is and what it might represent? Pictures inc

[Geppili]

I wonder whether any of you can identify this figurine. My late father gave it to me years ago. I'm having a clear out and would like to know where it is from and what it might mean. It seems to have the corona virus on its breast! Is it a goose? But then why three legs? Is it a ritual object? Looking forward to hearing from you!

Will reply more soon. Having to help DCs with homework. They are really interested in it too! I just can't imagine my very repressed DF having a dildo in his display case.

I think it's a duck, a tall one.

Did he spend any time in New Zealand? It reminds me of the kind of thing that Rex Homan might have done with Tama-nui-te-ra on it.

Try google images search on 'Myceneanan terracotta figurine' - quite a few similar looking images.

@tallduckandhandsome another great possibility!

@bettbattenburg no he didn't as far as I know. But I agree with you!

@Simarilion thanks I am on it 😁

Is it an early version of birdie friend?

@cunningartificer 😂

@Thereareliterallynonamesleft

I’m a Classics teacher, I think whoever said Greek, possibly Mycenaean might be right. This picture (hopefully it attached properly!) is a vase of a bear, and is similar in style.

I remember seeing that little guy.

It’s birdy friends’ friend ...

Beaten to it...

Your bf must be joking - or he has a limited understanding of female anatomy. 😂

@NewlyGranny it was my BF as in Best friend! A woman! 😁

Looks like a duck billed platypus to me!

I think It’s almost definitely Greek/Cretan and from the 20th C made as a souvenir.

@Onjnmoeiejducwoapy that would make a great deal of sense. I'd really like to know what it is and what it's symbolism/narrative is. I wish I had asked my DF when he was alive!

Put it into Google image search and see what you find.

That’s not a platypus - not enough feet - and while I’m no expert, it doesn’t look quite right for an Aboriginal clay artwork (capital A is preferred, PPs). I think the PPs who have suggested Cretan or Mycenaean are on the right track.

It’s a Cormorant.

I tried a reverse google picture search but nothing useful came up. Try taking a very close up pic of the markings on it and putting that into the picture search - that might help? If you are close to a uni with a classics or archaeology dept, or a local museum they might be able to help?

Geppili, 😲 BF definitely having a laugh, then!

It's actually quite realistic for a Cretan/Mycenean statue I wondered if it was a replica of an Egyptian statue as they are often more lifelike - the closest I could see was this
www.liveauctioneers.com/item/61564996_egyptian-ceramic-bird-idol-and-scraper-group

However the round marking on the breast is more Greek but then you'd expect a pair of them.

You could try calling one of the museums with a collection of antiquities or one of the London auction houses that deals in them (not all do) and asking if you could send them a photo to look at. If they're not busy they might well be prepared to consider it.

@NewlyGranny yes!

Thanks @Londonmummy66 that is really similar! I will send some photos off!