Some observations on the Cucuteni-Tripolye stone figurines

Based on recently published studies on this topic (Ţerna 2013), the article proposes to analyze the conditions of discovery, cultural and chronological affiliation, as well as the authenticity of 14 items based on available data. The gaps were filled in and the documentation errors were corrected. Documentary study has added to the catalog other six figurines. Of the 20 figurines, only five can be included, to a greater or lesser degree of probability, to the Cucuteni-Trypolye culture. 14 items were found in a limited area (lowland Elan-Horincea) and were made known to the science world by an amateur archaeologist during the past 25 years without specification of the exact conditions of discovery. It is surprising that in a small area (about 120 sq. Km.) were found 14 artifacts, whereas in the entire area (about 1,000 000 sq. Km.) only five stone figurines have been discovered. In addition, the artifacts discovered in this area have obvious differences from the well-known characteristics of Cucuteni-Trypolye art. This can be explained either by the existence in the area of a certain "art center", with much more valuable products than the average compared to the rest territory of the Cucuteni-Trypolye culture, either a modern imitation of Cucuteni models in a modernist style. The author is inclined rather to the second explanation, considering that the authenticity of the 14 statues of lowland Elan-Horincea should be subjected to serious doubts.