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Stela relief depicting a male figure in a niche and a Tanit
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Stela relief depicting a male figure in a niche and a Tanit
Stela relief depicting a male figure in a pedestal with offerings in a niche. Above, two birds and a Tanit Goddess holding a cornucopia. At the top, the moon and sun. Limestone. 2nd century BC. Possibly from Ghorfa (central Tunisia). British Museum. London. England. United Kingdom
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Media ID 14324674
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Beak Bunch Carved Circle Columns Cornucopia Curly Deity Devote Disc Divinity Fruits Funerary Goddess Grape Grapes Hold Inscription Limestone Mantle Moon Mythological Mythology Niche Offerer Offerings Pedestal Pleat Pomegranate
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "The Tanit Goddess and the Offerer: A 2nd Century BC Limestone Stela from Ghorfa, British Museum, London" This exquisite limestone stela, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is a captivating example of ancient Carthaginian art from the region of Ghorfa in central Tunisia, now housed in the British Museum in London, England. The intricately carved relief depicts a male figure, possibly an offerer, standing in a niche, clad in a mantle with curly pleats and a mantle draped over his shoulders. He extends his hand in a gesture of devotion towards the Tanit Goddess, who graciously holds a cornucopia, symbolizing abundance and fertility. Two mythological birds, with distinctive beaks, flank the Tanit Goddess, adding an element of mystery and mythology to the scene. Above, the moon and sun are depicted in a circle, emphasizing the cyclical nature of time and the Tanit Goddess's role as a protector of the natural world. The stela is adorned with various offerings, including fruits such as grapes and pomegranates, symbolizing prosperity and life-giving energy. The inscription at the top of the stela is unfortunately illegible, leaving the exact meaning and purpose of the artifact a subject of ongoing scholarly debate. This masterpiece of ancient art showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Carthaginian civilization and their reverence for the Tanit Goddess, who was believed to be the patron deity of Carthage and the protector of the city and its people. The intricate carvings and symbolism present in this stela continue to captivate and inspire scholars and visitors alike, offering a glimpse into the ancient world and its enduring mythology.
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