figurines

porcelain figurine]]Figurine is a diminutive form of the word ''figure'', and generally refers to a small human-made statue that represents a human (or deity or animal). They are typically smaller than life-size, and may be realistic or iconic depending on the skill and intention of the creator. The earliest figurines were made of stone; more recent creations are also made of ceramic, metal, wood, plastic, etc.The earliest figurines are often of pregnant women, and are called Venus figurines, in reference to their presumed representation of a female goddess, or in any case some connection to fertility. The two oldest so far are made of stone, were found in Africa and Asia, and are several hundred thousand years old. Many more have been found that date to 25-30,000 BC in Europe, and are the oldest ceramic known. If the earlier finds are genuine, they are one of the first signs of human culture.We cannot know for certain how they were used. They probably had religionreligious or ceremonyceremonial significance, and been used in marriage and other rituals. They may also have been meant to amuse, that is, children in particular (a crying infant for example). Some may have been worn as jewelry.A more recent adaptation is the use of figurines in board games, such as chess. Players of tabletop role playing games often use Miniature figureminiatures to represent their characters' position and facing on a map.Recently, the terms ''inaction figures'' (originally used to describe Kevin Smith's View Askew figurines) and ''staction figures'' (a portmanteau of static and action figures coined by Four Horsemen StudiosFour Horsemen artists to describe ''Masters of the Universe'' figures) have been used to refer to figurines of comic book characters or sci-fi/fantasy characters without movable parts.Figures with movable parts (e.g. allowing limbs to be posed) have also been developed, but these are more likely to be called dolls or action figures (or robots or automata if they can move on their own).Old figurines have been used to discount some historical theories, such as the origins of chess.

See also -

Miniature figure

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Royal Doulton and Royal Crown Derby
Large selection of figurines, collectibles and dinnerware from Royal Doulton, Lladro, Coalport, Royal Crown Derby, Beswick, Harmony Kingdom and many more.
http://www.doultonfigurines.com/

Kritters In The Mailbox
Over 6,000 of the Best Animal Related Gifts on the Web, and at a Resonable Price too!
http://www.krittersinthemailbox.com/fdr

Lasting Impressions... Your Best Choice for Fine Gifts and Collectibles!
Lasting Impressions offers a mixture of unique and traditional fine gifts and collectibles online and at our bricks-and-mortar shop.
http://www.lastingimpressionsfinegifts.com/

Amer-I-Mex Mexican Imports and Artwork
AMER-I-MEX Mexican Imports is a wholesale supplier of handicrafts and artwork with a flare for the southwest. Each piece is carefully chosen from distributors located in Mexico and other Latin American countries.
http://www.amer-i-mex.com

Sapeurs et Pontonniers de la Garde
Association loi 1901 créée dans le but de reconstituer le plus fidèlement possible la vie quotidienne des soldats du 1er Empire.
http://www.pontonniers-raches.com/

Owner
Free online auction site
http://www.traderbait.com

Victorian China Store®
Victorian China Store® Fine Bone English China. Selling English Fine Bone China Products From England.
http://www.victorianchina.com

African American/Black Fine Art Prints and Collectible Figurines -ArtBuyersGallery
Artbuyersgallery.Com offers the finest collection of African-American/Black Art Prints, Collectible Figurines and Artist Calendars at affordable prices.”> <META name=
http://www.artbuyersgallery.com/

Romaxx3 Designs Plaster Crafts
Welcome Plastercrafters! The purpose of this web site is to share information and resources about the wonderful craft of plaster. Plastercrafting is a fun and safe craft for people of all ages. Unlike ceramics there is no firing involved.
http://www.romaxx3designs.com/

Histoire et figurines
Pour les amateurs de jeux d'histoire. Informations sur les guerres napoléoniennes.
http://www.histofig.com

Rosedale Figurines
Offers cast metal figures in scales from 54mm to 120mm. A broad range of eras and subjects are represented.
http://www.rosedalefigures.com/

Enchanted Fantasies
Unique ceramic fantasy figurines with original handmade costumes and styled hair. Includes fairies, mermaids, angels, genies, Indian spirits, wizards, Santas, unicorns, pegasus, and Hawaiian Hula dancers.
http://www.enchantedfantasies.com