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 give 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. Size: 2.2" W x 6.45" H (5.6 cm x 16.4 cm); 7.55" H (19.2 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection

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#133084

Head has been reattached. Repair is well done and difficult to see. Wax has been used to attach the item to the stand, and is on the underside of the figure.