. An undated archaistic gilt-bronze figure of a standing male modelled in the half-round in 2800-550 BC style, wearing a gilded kilt and tall cap, convex to the reverse. 3.48 grams, 76 mm (3"). Figures such as this are believed to be representations of the god Baal, a Semitic deity that enjoyed widespread worship across the ancient Near East from prehistory until the end of the Roman period. The name Baal means Lord and he is associated with storms and the life giving rains and was said to live on mountains. During the Roman period his most famous temple was at Baalbek in Syria where he was worshipped as Jupiter Heliopolitanus. Property of a European gentleman living in London; acquired in the UK before 1980.

Fine condition.