Description:

Ancient Near East, Northern Syria, Bronze Age, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A hand-built pottery goddess of minimalist form boasting an hourglass physique with raised breasts, a recessed naval, and a triangular sex impressed with petite dashes. Note how her sex is emphasized in size and detail as well as the exaggerated scale of her massive hips - both of which serve to highlight her fertility. Idols like this example are perhaps representative of the ancient goddess Astarte (also Ishtar) who was associated with femininity, war, and motherhood. Size: 2.5" W x 4.4" H (6.4 cm x 11.2 cm); 4.8" H (12.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Please note: items from Syria are not eligible for international shipping due to the US embargo on Syria.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private UK collection, acquired in the 1950s and thence by descent

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#176507

  • Condition: Missing head, arms, and feet. Some minor nicks, abrasions, and areas of fire-darkening as shown, all commensurate with age. Liberal preservation of incised detail.

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January 29, 2023 9:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
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