Ancient Near East, the Levant, Canaanite people, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A large figure of the god Baal, here depicted as tall and thin, with one arm outstretched, the hand in a fist as if it once held an implement of some kind - perhaps a weapon, as they were sacred implements that the gods are often shown bearing. For example, Baal is depicted brandishing a spear and club on the famous stela from the Ras Sharma acropolis (now at the Louvre: AO 15775). The standing figure wears Baal's distinctive conical hat topped by a bauble. He has a large face, with huge ears and nose and deeply set eyes that may once have had gemstones or semi-precious stones set into them. He wears a skirt with diagonal and crossed incised lines giving it the impression of texture and a hugely pronounced belt and lower hemline. His feet are joined together above an integrated, thick pin used to place the figure into an altar or other display so it could stand. Size: 1.9" L x 1.2" W x 11.85" H (4.8 cm x 3 cm x 30.1 cm); 13.95" H (35.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Baal was worshipped across the ancient Near East, a storm god associated with the fertility of the land, whose worship is specifically noted in the Bible. The Levant - unlike Mesopotamia and Egypt - relied upon rain for their agriculture rather than river irrigation, and dry summers were believed to be Baal's time in the underworld; his return in the autumn brought renewing rains to the landscape. "Baal" was the Semitic word meaning "lord" or "master" and Baal became the divine patron of the royal houses of Canaan.

See a similar example offered at Bonhams in 2008 for $23,000 - 27,000: https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/15941/lot/147/?category=list

Provenance: collection of the late Albert Stendahl, owner of Stendahl Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA

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#127097

Loss to one arm, as is any implement that may have been in the other hand. Head repaired at neck. Loss to one arm, as is any implement that may have been in the other hand. Head repaired at neck. Dark patina over surface. Excellent detail remaining.