SOUND EFFECTS: [soft rolling of waves, seagulls, coastal sounds]

NARRATOR: Southeast of Greece, in the Aegean Sea, mountains rise out of the ocean to form 30 islands known as the Cyclades. They are home to vacation destinations such as Mykonos and Santorini. But before the picturesque hillsides of white houses and blue domed chapels, even before the rise of ancient Greece, there lived the Cycladic people.

SOUND EFFECTS: [ocean fades]

This small statuette is one of the oldest objects in the Getty's collection, made nearly four millennia ago in a time known as the Bronze Age. There were no iron tools---chisels, for instance---so this marble figure was carved with hard stones such as volcanic glass, called "obsidian," and abrasive materials like pumice. The artist was able create a smooth, continuous figure composed of both angular shapes and, more impressively, negative space.

MUSIC: [ancient, mysterious solo harp]

Seated on a square, four-legged stool is a musician, who rests a large bow-shaped instrument on his knee, an early form of a harp. His right arm lies atop the sound box, while his left arm holds the curving frame, which extends outward in a swooping swan-bill. His head tilts, perhaps in song. Though stark in form, notice the tiny, intricate details: incised fingers and toes, and a dainty, pointed nose. Other features---like the eyes and mouth---would have been added with paint.

Who does this figure represent? What is its meaning? It's hard to say, as there is little evidence suggesting its function. Moreover, this is one of eleven known harp players in the world. Many small marble figures---like this one---were found in tombs, which could indicate ceremonial or funerary use. Perhaps he was there to accompany the deceased, to play for them in the afterlife. Some believe that it is a representation of Apollo, god of music, who played a kind of harp called a lyre. Whether divine or human, this figure illustrates the practice of many ancient cultures, including the Cycladic people, who shared their history, often through song.