Description:

Ancient Near East, The Levant, Syro-Hittite culture, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. An elegant hand-built pottery idol of characteristically abstract form depicting a female deity - likely Astarte, the goddess of war and fertility - standing atop elongated legs with wide hips accentuating her femininity and arms outstretched in a pose of supplication. Her avianesque head presents a beak-like nose and huge annular eyes on either side of a drilled perforation, all crowned by a flared headdress and flanked by large, pinched ears. Impressed dashes embellish her necklace, torso, and hips, while a prominent, circular navel further highlights her connection to fertility. Size: 2.4" W x 6.4" H (6.1 cm x 16.3 cm); 7.2" H (18.3 cm) on included custom stand.

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

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010; ex-Woolley & Wallis auction, UK; ex-private UK collection, acquired in the 1950s and thence by descent

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#180055

  • Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration to ends of arms and break lines visible in some areas. Light surface wear as shown. Nice remaining detail and light earthen deposits to surface.

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July 28, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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