Description:

Ancient. Roman Holyland, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A highly abstract version of a lead votive figure depicting Atargatis Heliopolitanus from the cult of the Heliopolitan Triad. The goddess figure in the center, comprised of a simple circle and triangle, has symmetrical arms that blend into the branches of trees. Items like these were carried on ceremonial occasions in a sacred procession from Heliopolis to Ain Lejouj where they were then flung into the waters of the spring. This was originally a Canaanite cult that the Romans adopted when they conquered the city of Heliopolis in modern day Lebanon. The god Ba'al became Jupiter Heliopolitanus; Atargatis (sometimes called Astarte) became Venus Heliopolitana, and Adon became Mercury, son of Jupiter and Venus. The Romans built a temple to the Triad, and votives like this one to the cult have been found in the region. Size: 2" W x 2.45" H (5.1 cm x 6.2 cm); 4.6" H (11.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#122194

  • Condition: Patina and light encrustation on surface; form and details are clear but arms are slightly bent as shown.

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October 26, 2017 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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