Unique Statuette of Virgin Mary Found

Czech archaeologists find unique Virgin Mary statuette November 21, 2007 (Unfortunately I couldn't find a photo) PRAGUE, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Czech archaeologists uncovered a unique eight centimeter-long ceramic statuette of Virgin Mary with Jesus from the late 14th century in the center of Usti nad Labem of the Czech Republic, head of the archaeological research Marta Cvrkova said on Tuesday. Similar finds are very rare in the country, the Czech news agency CTK quoted Cvrkova as saying. The elaborated artifact, which was probably part of a family alter-piece, is only slightly damaged, CTK said. The faces of Virgin Mary and Jesus may have suffered damage during the Hussite Wars in the 15th century when the city of Usti was destroyed, as Hussites used to damage statues during their invasions, Cvrkova added. In the past few years archaeologists uncovered a 6,900-6,200 year-old round shrine from the Neolithic Age near the current finding site.