Lot 28A
Ancient Near East, Holyland, Israel (Canaan / the Levant), ca. 9th to 6th century BCE. An impressive example of a ceramic statue of a form known as a pillar figure depicting the goddess Asherah (Ashratu). She is a deity known to the Hebrews as well as the Akkadians, Hittites, and South Arabians and sometimes associated with Astarte / Ishtar. She presents a characteristically abstract face with bold features, including bulging eyes, a thick browline leading to a protruding nose, and a mysterious rounded mouth and / or chin. A goddess of fertility, her femininity is emphasized via pronounced breasts which she seems to present by holding her hands beneath in a classic pose; this said, her body is less defined than her visage, as is often the case with idol figures, simply delineated via a tapering cone with a flared base. Though seemingly nude or at least topless, she does wear a necklace - its circular beads and danglers impressed around her neckline. Size: 8.625" H (21.9 cm); 9.375" H (23.8 cm) on included custom stand.
Thermoluminescence (TL) test shows age is consistent with stated range above. 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 a larger public statue.
Provenance: private Orange County, Califiornia, USA collection, acquired before 2000
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
#126277
- Condition: Normal surface wear and earthen encrustation commensurate with age. A few chips to the browline and one hand, nicks to one ear, and abrasions to the top of head. Otherwise in excellent condition.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 24.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $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 |