Description:

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, ca. late 3rd to early 2nd millennium BCE. A wonderful mold-formed pottery relief plaque depicting Ishtar (also known as Astarte) standing nude with bent arms and petite hands clasped atop her womb. Lightly incised necklaces are presented above her breasts, and her elegant countenance is framed with a puffy coiffure presented with curled tips. A beautiful example of Mesopotamian religious artistry! Size: 2.625" W x 5.3" H (6.7 cm x 13.5 cm).

Ishtar 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, to the ancient Sumerians, her power was palpable, and they practiced a ceremony of Sacred Marriage to associate themselves with her mythical lover Dumuzi in order to gain her favor.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#135569

  • Condition: Small losses to areas of base and peripheries as shown. Minor abrasions and nicks to figure, base, peripheries, and verso, with softening to some finer figural details, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits throughout.

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August 22, 2019 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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