The Many Faces of the Goddess: The Iconography of the Syro-Palestinian Goddesses Anat, Astarte, Qedeshet, and Asherah c. 1500-1000 BCE

Abstract

The goddesses of ancient Syro-Palestine have recently received detailed attention. This study attempts to make a contribution to the iconography of Anat, Astarte, Asherah and Qedeshet in the period 1500-1000 BCE. Because Anat and Astarte were closely related, and it is sometimes argued that Qedeshet was a mere epithet of the goddess Asherah, these goddesses need to be studied together. It is argued that it is possible to differentiate between these goddesses and that Qedeshet was an independent goddess with her own iconography. The main iconographic types (armed, seated, standing, equestrian, naked woman with objects) are discussed, attributes compared, items identified with a specific goddess, and an iconographic typology established. Like Astarte, Anat was depicted armed and Astarte is also shown on horseback. The woman holding objects is identified as Qedeshet. This book presents a detailed catalogue of items related to these goddesses, with photographs and comparative drawings. The catalogue has been updated for this second, slightly revised edition.

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