Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumer, ca. late 2nd to early 1st millennium BCE. A wonderful, mold-formed pottery statuette of Astarte, the ancient Sumerian goddess associated with fertility, sexuality, and war. Also known as Ashtoreth and Ishtar in parts of Mesopotamia, Astarte stands nude atop an integral rectangular plinth while clasping both hands beneath her ample breasts, just above her womb. Her almond-shaped eyes peer outward from behind a prominent nose, and her head is topped with a minimalist coiffure and a headdress, as a broad collar necklace adorns her chest. A fin-like finial rises from the verso of her head. Size: 1.3" W x 4.6" H (3.3 cm x 11.7 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#136160
Condition
Repair to base with restoration over break lines. Some chips, nicks, and abrasions throughout, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remaining details.