Hellenistic Terracotta Statuette of a young woman draped in a himation, 3rd Century B.C.

The young woman is dressed in a chiton (long tunic made of fine fabric) under a himation (heavier cloak or cape) that completely envelops her, often concealing her arms and hands in an elegant and demure pose. She has an elaborate hairstyle, possibly the “melon” style (wavy locks pulled back), crowned with a garland of ivy leaves or flowers, common in festive or religious contexts.
This statuette is a characteristic example of Tanagra figurines, a type of Hellenistic terracotta art that became popular from the 4th century BC and continued into the 3rd century BC. Originally, these pieces featured vivid polychromy on a white slip (layer of liquid clay). Traces of pigment can still be seen in the folds of the clothing. Unlike earlier classical figures of deities, Tanagra figurines usually depict women from everyday life in natural poses. They were commonly used as grave goods in tombs or as votive offerings in shrines.