The Cycladic figurines appeal to the modern viewer among other features also because of the austerity of the stark white marble. However, in reality, many of these sculptures were brightly coloured. Cycladic craftsmen used pigments (black or dark blue, red and, rarely green) to indicate the facial features, the hair, the pubic triangle, jewellery as well as vague symbols, that may represent body painting or tattooing. Over the centuries, most traces have been lost, but faint remnants are preserved, revealing this extremely interesting artistic practice. There are various interpretations of the colour decoration on Cycladic figurines. Since many of them come from graves, some scholars believe that the painted motifs may reflect the decoration of the deceased or of the mourners. Others believe that they are distinctive of high-status individuals, such as seafarers, merchants and specialist craftsmen. Furthermore, other scholars suggest that the repetition of specific motifs may have functioned as an expression of cultural identity, while their variations may be due to the use of figurines on different occasions or in rituals.