Ancient Near East, Syro-Hittite, ca. 2800 to 1500 BCE. A pottery figure of the goddess Astarte, with a columnar physical form below the arms and shoulders. Both arms fold back on themselves to touch the chest. The goddess wears a necklace and has a stylized face that is instantly recognizable as from this period. A large, thin nose, some kind of projecting headdress/coiffure, and a pair of huge eyes made from concentric coils of pottery five it a bird-like form. 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. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 2.25" W x 6.25" H (5.7 cm x 15.9 cm); 7.125" H (18.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-private prominent New York, USA collector

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#137523

Head reattached at neck line with small chips and light adhesive residue along break line. Surface wear and minor abrasions commensurate with age, light fading to some details, small nicks to base, body, arms, and head, and some fading to yellow body coloration. Light earthen deposits and encrustations throughout.