c. 2nd Millennium BCE

Made of fine-grained clay, the bird-headed goddess stands with both feet together, the legs delineated by an incised line. The arms of the figure are conical and extend to either side. The bellybutton and eyes are represented by applied and pierced pellets. Her pubic region is emphasized by punctures at the hips, and she wears a necklace of applied clay and an elaborate pierced headdress to further identify the figure as the fertility goddess Astarte.

In excellent and original condition.

11.5 x 4.5 cm (4.5 x 1.77 inches)

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Export Approval from the Israel Antiquities Authority

The goddess of fecundity, Astarte, was responsible for the fertility of the land and the people. She is the Semitic equivalent of the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar and the Greek goddess Aphrodite.