Ancient Near East, Syro-Hittite, ca. 2800 to 1500 BCE. A hand-built pottery figure of the goddess Astarte, with a broad physical form below the arms and shoulders. Both arms fold back on themselves and touch the chest. The goddess wears a necklace with dozens of incised striations and has a stylized face that is instantly recognizable as from this period. A large, thin nose, concentric circular eyes, incised brows, and a flared headdress imbue the figure with an abstract avian presentation. The design of the eyes relates to the common motif throughout the ancient Near East that eyes must be wide and attentive to show religious devotion. Astarte is the goddess who is also known as Ishtar in some parts of Mesopotamia, a goddess associated with femininity, motherhood, and war. Size: 2.75" W x 7.05" H (7 cm x 17.9 cm).
This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.
Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s
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#141678
Condition
Repaired across midsection with restoration and overpainting along break line. Small losses to base and headdress, with fading to some finer details, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Two probe holes: behind right arm, and beneath base.