Sleeping Lady statue is an exquisite example of Neolithic art and a mysterious artefact offering a unique insight into Malta’s prehistoric societies. Made of clay, the figure has been dated between 3600 and 2500 BC, indicating that it belongs to the prehistoric Maltese culture, famous for building impressive megaliths.

The Sleeping Lady was discovered at the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground temple complex carved into the rocks and considered one of Malta’s most important archaeological sites. The Hypogeum, the only known underground prehistoric place of worship, is famous for its beautiful and intriguing cave art and dozens of well-preserved statues and artefacts, of which the Sleeping Lady is one of the most appealing.

The Sleeping Lady, also known as the Ħal Saflieni figurine, depicts a woman lying in a resting position, suggesting that she may have been associated with the cult of the dead or a symbol of rebirth, especially given that the Hypogeum was a burial site.