The awards conferred by the Jury to the films competing in the Glocal Images section, have the shape of a Neolithic human figure. They are replicas of a stone idol found in the Neolithic settlement of Chirokitia around 7000 – 6000 B.C. The dawn of prehistory in Cyprus coincides with the Neolithic period, which extends from the 9th and probably the 10th millenium B.C., up to and including the end of the Chalcolithic period, around 2500 B.C. The first phase of the Neolithic Era lasted up to circa 5200 B.C. and is known as the «Aceramic Neolithic Period». The figurine dates back to this era. The Neolithic Era is considered to be one of the most important periods of the island. It is at that time that the prehistoric man undertakes a series of changes that will improve his life, like the quest for a permanent residence, taming animals (primarily sheep and boars), cultivating land, processing stones and creating vessels. The most representative settlements of the Neolithic Period are those of Chirokitia, Kalavassos and Sotira. Excavations in these settlements have given us a lot of interesting facts regarding the everyday life and occupations of the Neolithic inhabitants of the island. Archaeologists have unearthed many elements regarding the adulation of the fertility goddess, burial rituals, as well as the rudimentary organisation of the residents of that time. The cult of the fertility goddess was artistically reflected by the creation of small statues, known as idols. These idols represent the first known attempt to recreate the human form. The “sculptors” of the time made these figurines from stone that bore “simplified and rudimentary characteristics” to man. The Neolithic settlement of Chirokitia, where the particular idol was found, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Prize
