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Ancient Greek statue discovered with modern artifact, perplexing archaeologists

Antiquated Greek sculpture of a woman, ostensibly operating a laptop, ignites debate about time travel on internet. "Grave Naiskos of an Enthroned Woman with an Attendant" is a 37-inch marble sculpture originating around 1000 BC, featuring a woman seemingly opening a laptop-like object...

Ancient Greek statue exhibits modern artifact, leaving scholars perplexed
Ancient Greek statue exhibits modern artifact, leaving scholars perplexed

Ancient Greek statue discovered with modern artifact, perplexing archaeologists

In the hallowed halls of the Getty Villa in Los Angeles, California, a 37-inch tall sculpture named "Grave Naiskos of an Enthroned Woman with an Attendant," created around 1000 BC, stands as a captivating enigma. The statue, part of the Getty Collection, has sparked intriguing discussions and theories online, leading some to speculate about the ancient Greeks and time travel.

The statue depicts a woman from a wealthy family, as per the Getty Collection, seated on a throne, reaching for a marble item resembling a laptop. The woman's attendant, whose identity remains unclear, holds a shadow box, a long-standing element in Greek funerary art. Contrary to popular online theories, the item the woman is opening is not a USB port or headphone jack, but a shadow box used in ancient Greek funerary art.

The statue, however, is not just a photographic depiction of reality. It was crafted to convey the wealth and status of the deceased, a common practice in ancient Greek art. The repair of the statue, which may have been done using metal pins to hold a now lost marble component in place, suggests that the sculpture has a history that extends beyond its creation.

Two holes on the base of the statue are evidence of an ancient repair, adding to the sculpture's allure. The identity of the person from the wealthy family depicted in the sculpture is not directly provided in the available search results. None of the sources specify a named individual from a wealthy family associated with a Greek sculpture.

The identity of the attendant in the statue is also unclear. It's possible they represent a young family member in mourning or a servant or enslaved person. The statue, with its intricate details and historical significance, continues to captivate and intrigue, leaving many questions unanswered.

First published on May 23, 2023, this article aims to shed light on this fascinating sculpture. For those interested, the statue is currently available for viewing at the Getty Villa in Los Angeles, California. As we continue to unravel the mysteries of the past, the "Grave Naiskos of an Enthroned Woman with an Attendant" stands as a testament to the rich history and artistry of ancient Greece.

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