Syro Hittite Terracotta Mold of Astarte w/ TL

Ancient Near East, Northern Syria, Syro-Hittite, ca. early 1st millennium BCE. A hand-built pottery figure mold of a bulbous form with a recessed cavity on the front. The highly detailed cavity was used for producing pottery statues of Astarte - the ancient goddess associated with femininity, motherhood, and war - that had stippled belts, attenuated arms, and a petite head surrounded by five discoid ornaments. Custom putty impression included. Size: 2.5" W x 8.25" H (6.4 cm x 21 cm)

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: ex-Dere Family Collection, New York, USA, 1980s-2000s

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#149873
Condition Report: Loss to lower periphery of mold near feet as shown. Abrasions and nicks to peripheries and some interior mold details, with light encrustations, and softening to some finer details. Nice earthen deposits throughout. One TL drill hole on bottom of mold verso.