Description:

Ancient Near East, Northern Syria, Syro-Hittite, ca. early 2nd millennium BCE. A finely-constructed pottery figure of the goddess Astarte. She stands atop fused legs with a stippled waist band wrapping around her wide hips, a slender waist with a delineated navel, and conical arms protruding from the sides of her body. Around her neck is an intricate necklace. The thick neck gently tapers to an abstract head which is composed of a prominent nose, discoid eyes, large ears with drilled ornamentation, and a tab-shaped headdress with a pair of small perforations. Researchers believe that the figure's wide eyes serve to emphasize attentiveness and religious devotion to the gods in the ancient Near East. Astarte is the goddess who is also known as Ishtar in some parts of Mesopotamia and is associated with femininity, motherhood, and war. Size: 2.45" W x 7.2" H (6.2 cm x 18.3 cm); 7.5" H (19 cm) on included custom stand.

For a stylistically-similar example, please see "Idols: The Beginning of Abstract Form." Ariadne Galleries, Inc., London, 1989, p. 92, fig. 82.

Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#142901

  • Condition: The lower legs and one arm have been professionally restored. Head has been reattached with the break line restored. Light wear on surface commensurate with age but overall the details are very nicely preserved.

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June 2, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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