Near East, North Syria, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. This is a slender bronze abstract tubular idol with his right arm raised; he is nude and his phallus is a clear detail. At one time, this figure probably would have had a pointed cap and his raised right arm would probably have been holding a club or similar object, as similar bronzes from the area show these things. His eyes were also probably originally inlaid and have since disappeared. Baal was one of the major deities of the Canaanites (Phoenicians) and is mentioned in the Bible. He is known for royal power and our knowledge of him comes from the archive of cuneiform tablets excavated at the archaeological site of Ugarit. This figure is very similar to one held by the British Museum. Size: 3-1/2" H x 1-1/4" W; 4-3/4"H with custom stand (8.9 cm x 3.2 cm; 12 cm).

Provenance: Ex-Private New York Collection, ex-NY Collector Richard F.

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#110770

The piece has wear and a crystallized patina, but many of the artistic featues are clear. It is most likely missing inlaid eyes.