Alkai: Ceramic Deity Figurines

To hold this ceramic piece by Vladas Rukša is to touch a deep Baltic mystery. It is a small yet magical sculpture, with forms and aesthetics that transport the mind to the distant past, echoing one of Lithuania’s most famous archaeological discoveries.

The figurine’s style—defined by smooth lines, a minimalist silhouette, and a schematic yet expressive face—is closely akin to the renowned Juodkrantė Amber Treasure. Looking at this work, one can recognize the spirit of the same Neolithic and Bronze Age amulets gathered from the bottom of the Curonian Lagoon in the late 19th century. Although this is the master’s artistic interpretation, it faithfully echoes the formal principles used by our ancestors to create their talismans of luck and ritual objects thousands of years ago.

This ceramic idol appears as if smoothed by time itself. Its compact, grounded form fits cozily in the palm of your hand, while its palpable weight offers a sense of stability and earthen strength. It is not just a unique interior detail, but a symbolic home amulet.

Place it where you desire peace and concentration—on a desk, a shelf, or a personal altar. Let this idol become a silent but strong guardian of your space, bridging the present with the millennia-old history of the Curonian coast.

Specifications:

• Height: ~ 11 cm (4.3 in)

• Weight: ~ 200 g