Nabateans were originally an Arab nomadic people who then installed and inhabited the regions of Northern Arabia and Southern Levant. Their capital was the city of Raqmu, now known as Petra, strategically situated at the crossroads of several caravan routes that linked the lands of China, India, and South Arabia with the Mediterranean world. In 106 AD, Nabataean territory became a Roman province administrated by a legate, and the political centre transferred from Petra to Bosra.
Nabataean Sandstone Fragment
£ 650.00
An extremely fine Nabatean or Nabataean stone fragment of a female figure. The figure’s face follows the gently modelled curves of the checks and chin, while the eyes are expressive and deep-set. Wavy hair, further enriched by a stephane, frames the face. Much attention is given towards the naturalistic rendering of facial features. Although is impossible for us discerning the true identity of the figure, the attribute of the stephane might qualify the female as a goddess, possibly Tyche, a popular deity among the Nabataean and other Hellenized inhabitants of Jordan. The figure might also be interpreted as Allat, the Nabataean female goddess of fertility, the equivalent of Athena or Minerva. The fragment might have been part of a larger composition and is sculpted in the local al-Quwayra red sandstone.
Condition: Fine, with traces of the original white slip visible. Mounted on a custom made stand, ideal for display.
SOLD
| Dimensions | H 12 cm |
|---|---|
| Region | Near East (Western Asiatic) |
| Stone | Sandstone |
