Bidspirit auction | PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA MODEL OF A

PHOENICIAN TERRACOTTA MODEL OF A MEDIUM-SIZED BOAT WITH CREW - Ca. 6th century BC A terracotta sculpture representing a typical Phoenician boat, underscoring the significance of seafaring for this civilisation. The Phoenicians are considered the earliest true maritime people, known for establishing coastal cities with secure harbours and defensive systems. Their maritime orientation enabled the creation of an extensive and well-organised trade network stretching from Egypt to Gibraltar and into the Atlantic. This sculpture belongs to a group of Phoenician terracottas discovered underwater in the 1950s, likely originating from temple contexts and serving as ex-votos depicting Phoenicians and their principal activities. Size: L: 47 cm. Provenance: Private European collection of Ancient Art; Ex New York Antiquities Gallery pre-2000; Previously in the Marwan Shehab collection, acquired at Asfar & Sarkis, Beirut, in 1964. 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.