This
ivory comes from Arslan Tash, in northern Syria. The most common motif found on
Phoenician ivories,
the woman at the window may represent the goddess Astarte
(Biblical Asherah) looking out a palace window.
Perhaps this widespread imagery
influenced the Biblical author’s description of Jezebel, a follower of Astarte,
looking out the palace window as Jehu approached (2 Kings 9:30). Erich Lessing.
|