Syro-Hittite Pottery Astarte Figure

Ancient Near East, Northern Syria, Syro-Hittite, ca. early 2nd millennium BCE. A finely-constructed buff terracotta figure of the goddess Astarte. She stands atop fused legs with a stippled double band across her body, just below her wide hips, a pronounced navel, a narrow waist, and conical arms protruding from the sides of her body. An applied necklace graces her neck which gently tapers to an abstract head presenting a mesmerizing visage comprised of discoid eyes, a prominent nose, large ears with perforations for suspending ornaments, and a tab-shaped headdress. Astarte is the goddess who is also known as Ishtar in some parts of Mesopotamia and is associated with femininity, motherhood, and war. Researchers believe that wide eyed expressions like this figure's served to emphasize attentiveness and religious devotion in the ancient Near East. Size: 4.625" H (11.7 cm); 5.375" H (13.7 cm) on included custom stand.

For a stylistically-similar example, please see "Idols: The Beginning of Abstract Form." Ariadne Galleries, Inc., London, 1989, p. 92, fig. 82.

Provenance: ex-Dr. Stanley F. Yolles collection, Stony Brook, New York, USA, 1980s

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.

#151290
Condition Report: Repaired from about 5 pieces with restoration over the break lines. Nicks to feet, arms, and other high-pointed areas. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age. Areas of light encrustations and nice mineral deposits. Label with old collection number "79" on verso.