Near Eastern Black Stone Goddess Statue | Ancient & Rare - 30 mm

Discover a piece of ancient history with our exceptional Near Eastern Goddess Statuette from the 2nd Millennium BCE. This rare artifact, carved from hard black stone, offers a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the ancient Near East. Its historical significance is undeniable, having been part of prestigious collections and accompanied by a report from cultural heritage authority, Alessandro Neri.

The goddess stands just over an inch tall, her visage etched with the fine lines of a skilled artisan’s hand. She is crowned with horns and a wreath, classical symbols of divinity in the Syro-Hittite pantheon, which signal her esteemed position amongst the gods. The tunic she adorns is not merely for modesty but is a flamboyant declaration of her status, with decorations that suggest a high level of craftsmanship.

This figurine holds a small animal in her hands, indicative of her role as a protector and nurturer within the Syro-Hittite belief system. Such representations were common in the region, mirroring the community's reverence for nature and the divine. The Syro-Hittites, known for their artistic expression and religious fervor, would have placed great value on this statuette, using it either in a domestic shrine or as an offering in a larger temple complex.

Materials sourced for such artifacts were locally obtained, often indicative of the region's geology. The choice of black stone for this statuette not only attests to its local origin but also to the skill required to carve such a hard material, suggesting that the artist was a master of their craft.

Collectors will appreciate that this statuette comes with a sterling provenance. Once held in a London gallery, it passed through the hands of a reputable Mayfair Art dealer and belonged to a 1990s collection that was meticulously studied and cataloged by Professor Lambert. Its chain of custody extends back to a British collection started in the 1960s, ensuring its legal and ethical acquisition.

As a piece cleared against the Art Loss Register database, it carries additional assurance for collectors. The presence of this statuette in your collection is not just an investment in history, but also a statement of discerning taste and a dedication to preserving the narrative of human cultural achievement.

We welcome you to become the next custodian of this remarkable piece, offering not just an object of beauty, but a fragment of the ancient world. It’s an opportunity to own a narrative etched in stone, telling stories of a past that continue to fascinate and inspire.

VISUAL ANALYSIS REPORT:
The Syro-Hittite Goddess Statuette is a study in ancient artisanship. The horned headdress is a distinctive feature, often associated with deities in Near Eastern cultures, symbolizing power and divine protection. The intricacy of her tunic's decoration, consisting of meticulously carved lines and patterns, signifies her high status and the artist’s precision. Such detail was likely meant to convey the deity’s attributes to worshippers. This combination of divine iconography and detailed attire is rare, marking this piece as an extraordinary example of Syro-Hittite religious art. The statuette likely represents a specific goddess, perhaps connected to fertility or the protection of animals, suggested by the presence of the small animal she cradles.

PROVENANCE:
Acquired from the esteemed Apollo Galleries in London, UK. Accompanied with Certificate of Authenticity.