Lot 91B
Ancient Art. Near East, Israel (Canaan / the Levant), ca. 9th to 6th century BCE. A ceramic statue of the style known as a pillar figure, depicting the goddess Asherah (Ashratu). She was a deity known to the Hebrews as well as the Akkadians, Hittites, and South Arabians, sometimes associated with Astarte/Ishtar. She is depicted with a detailed face, including a mysterious smile and large, wide-open eyes, a slightly conical projection from the back of her head that may be a crown, and curled hair that frames her face. Her body is less detailed, as is often the case with idol figures, a simple cylinder that flares out at the base with only two major features: her breasts and her arms, which she holds underneath her breasts. Size: 2.1" L x 2.7" W x 5.9" H (5.3 cm x 6.9 cm x 15 cm); 6.1" H (15.5 cm) on included custom stand.
Like many of the goddess figures known from the ancient Near East, Asherah's role and attributes seem to have been complex, and the interpretations of early archaeologists have only muddied the waters of understanding them. Asherah has been variously associated with fertility, sexuality, voluptuousness, and prostitution. The Bible, in both Kings and Chronicles, warned the ancient Israelites against worshipping her because of the dangerous nature of her sexuality. However, figures like this one, also known as the asherim, were immensely popular in ancient Judea. They were kept in households, probably used in personal shrines, and may have been copies of larger public statuary.
Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000; ex Arte Primitivo, New York, USA
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#126278
- Condition: Repair and restoration at neck and the lower body. Ancient loss to hair on one side of the head. Sticker on base from Arte Primitivo.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
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| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $25,000 |