several decades, the technique of metal work was being matured, thus, the trading activities become more and more important (Jane 305-6 & Cycladic).C. CultureThe religious practices of the Cycladic civilization are nearly unknown. The folded-arm figurines were believed as a symbol of fertility or had religious function. The larger one may sever as cult statue. Apart from female figurines, pottery with round shape was very common in the Cycladic tomb. These kind of round flask were examined as the female genitals, somehow, was related to the fertility cult. After dominating the Aegean for more than 1200 years, the Cycladic culture was finally replaced by the Minoan culture (Jane 306-7).IV. Three periods of Cycladic civilizationChronologically, the Cycladic civilization can be divided into three periods, the Early Cycladic (3000-2000BC), the Middle Cycladic (2000-1500BC) and the Late Cycladic (1500-1100BC) (Cycladic). A. Early CycladicThe Early Cycladic period is also known as the Early Bronze Age. That means metal was first introduced in this period. The materials were obtained in local area or from the mainland of Greece. The products were mainly focused on functional tools such as weapons or farming tools. Not only tools, some vases were also made of metals instead of stone or clay. The popularity of using metal finally lead to a sharply decrease of stone figurines and vases production (Jane 307-8). B. Middle CycladicThe Middle Cycladic period served as a transition period since little is known of the art and architecture in this period. Pottery seems to be the most representative art works in this period. There are two major kinds of pottery, the Dark Burnished wares and the Cycladic White. The Dark Burnished pottery, was highly polished pottery but unimaginative. In contrast, the Cycladic White has more area for creating image (Jane 309).C. Late Cycladic The Late Cycladic period was nearly overtaken by the Minoan cult...
