Roman Holyland, ca. 1st to 4th century CE. A finely-detailed lead ex-voto figure depicting Atargatis Heliopolitanus from the cult of the Heliopolitan Triad. The goddess figure in the center holds a tree in one hand and is flanked by bulls. Items like these were carried on ceremonial occasions in a sacred procession from Heliopolis to Ain Lejouj where they were then flung into the waters of the spring. This was originally a Canaanite cult that the Romans adopted when they conquered the city of Heliopolis in modern day Lebanon. The god Ba'al became Jupiter Heliopolitanus; Atargatis (sometimes called Astarte) became Venus Heliopolitana, and Adon became Mercury, son of Jupiter and Venus. The Romans built a temple to the Triad, and votives like this one to the cult have been found in the region. Comes with custom stand. Size: 2.25" W x 3.25" H (5.7 cm x 8.3 cm); height on stand: 4.55" (11.6 cm)

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#122280

Lead patina, with excellent remaining detail.