**First Time At Auction**

Near East, Syro-Hittite, ca. 2800 to 1500 BCE. A remarkable pottery figure of the goddess Astarte, displaying a stylized form with a bird-like visage. Gazing forth from wide, annular eyes, the avian-esque deity wears a backwards-protruding headdress with elaborate side flaps, a collar necklace that hangs over her broad shoulders, and a floor-length skirt leaving her chest exposed. Her arms are bent at the elbows to resemble flapping wings, while a beak-like pinched nose extends out from her petite head. The design of the eyes relates to the ubiquitous motif throughout the ancient Near East that one's eyes must be wide and attentive to show religious devotion. Size: 1.7" W x 5.3" H (4.3 cm x 13.5 cm)

Provenance: ex-collection of the late Peter Arnovick, San Francisco, California, USA, acquired before 1995

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#180108

Professionally repaired with restoration over break lines; all very well done and nearly impossible to see. Light surface wear as shown. Otherwise, has an excellent presentation with liberal remaining details and earthen deposits in areas.