Ancient Near East, Canaanite, Middle Bronze Age, ca. 2000 to 1600 BCE. A remarkable bronze figure of the smiting god or Baal, depicted in a characteristic striding position as he raises his right fist as though about to strike, all atop an integral plinth with an extending tenon. His attire is remarkably Egyptian with a pleated shendyt covering his thighs and a collar necklace draping his bare chest, all surmounted by a conical headdress resembling the crown of Upper Egypt known as the hedjet. Baal was a god worshipped across the ancient Near East, a storm god associated with the fertility of the land, whose worship is specifically noted in the Bible. Dry summers were believed to be Baal's time in the underworld; his return in the autumn brought renewing rains to the landscape. The Levant - unlike Mesopotamia and Egypt - relied upon rain for their agriculture rather than river irrigation. "Baal" was the Semitic word meaning "lord" or "master" and Baal became the divine patron of the royal houses of Canaan. \ Size: 1.1" W x 3.3" H (2.8 cm x 8.4 cm)

Cf. Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University (2002.019.001), the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago (accession number 2391), the Musee du Louvre (inventory number AO 17328, AO 17330, AO 17329, and AO 19268).

Provenance: private New York, USA collection, acquired prior to 1974

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#176097

Loss to left forearm and ear. Right hand likely previously held a weapon. Light surface wear as shown, but otherwise excellent with liberal remaining detail and nice patina. Light earthen deposits in areas.