Bidspirit auction | PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA FEMALE FIGURE -

PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA FEMALE FIGURE - TL TESTED - Ca. 6th - 4th century BC A sculpture representing a female deity, likely assimilated to the goddess Astarte—protector of the family and mother goddess associated with fertility, life, nature, and sexuality. As guardian of childbirth and conception, she is often depicted with a prominent abdomen. The piece belongs to a group of Phoenician terracottas discovered underwater in the 1950s, possibly originating from Phoenician temples and representing Phoenicians and their principal activities in the form of votive figures. Size: 52 cm. Provenance: Private European collection of Ancient Art; Ex New York Antiquities Gallery pre-2000. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter. All items are accompanied by a European export license. Each item has been published and exhibited. A copy of the published book will be provided with each lot.