Decorated with bold geometry, this unusual vessel was probably used to serve beer at the height of the Phoenician empire. Beer, first invented in Mesopotamia, was a popular  More »

Decorated with bold geometry, this unusual vessel was probably used to serve beer at the height of the Phoenician empire. Beer, first invented in Mesopotamia, was a popular drink throughout the ancient world. Because it was fermented, it was often deemed safer to drink than water. Even children drank this weakened brew on a regular basis. A vessel such as this would have been used for serving beer from vats; the strainer filtering off impurities. In the presence of such an artifact, we are connected in an intimate way with the vanished world of the past. We can imagine those who gripped this vessel by its handle and poured, and those whose cups were filled from the spout. Such a vessel invites the imagination to take flight, to bring the ancient world to life. - (PF.2221)   « Less

Simple of form yet powerful of spirit, this anthropomorphic figurine speaks of the heart and mind of an ancient people. As we observe the figures curving breasts and swelling  More »

Simple of form yet powerful of spirit, this anthropomorphic figurine speaks of the heart and mind of an ancient people. As we observe the figures curving breasts and swelling hips we are reminded of the great goddess, the mother of all life who nourishes and enriches us one and all. Down through the ages her likeness has been rendered by man in all forms of media, however, nowhere is she interpreted as more potent than in this ceramic sculpture. Moreover, time has treated this figurine kindly, for the softly weathered finish on her surface further enhances the eternal qualities of this ancient female spirit. - (PF.2623A)   « Less

Simple of form yet powerful of spirit, this anthropomorphic figurine speaks of the heart and mind of an ancient people. As we observe the figures curving breasts and swelling  More »

Simple of form yet powerful of spirit, this anthropomorphic figurine speaks of the heart and mind of an ancient people. As we observe the figures curving breasts and swelling hips we are reminded of the great goddess, the mother of all life who nourishes and enriches us one and all. Down through the ages her likeness has been rendered by man in all forms of media, however, nowhere is she interpreted as more potent than in this ceramic sculpture. Moreover, time has treated this figurine kindly, for the softly weathered finish on her surface further enhances the eternal qualities of this ancient female spirit. - (PF.2623B)   « Less

Although time and fortune have added a great of character to this piece, it is difficult to say for certain what type of animal was depicted, though most probably it was a  More »

Although time and fortune have added a great of character to this piece, it is difficult to say for certain what type of animal was depicted, though most probably it was a sheep, goat or horse. The odd protrusions on the hindquarters and the shape of the neck suggest that this was originally an offering vessel with a spout and handle, perhaps used for anointing sacrificial victims with oil. The passage of the millennia has given it the abstract beauty of modern sculpture. - (FZ.084)   « Less

This miniature sculpture of an animal was possibly used as an amulet. - (FZ.105)

This miniature sculpture of an animal was possibly used as an amulet. - (FZ.105)   « Less

Perhaps this powerful sculpture was offered as a perpetual gift to the gods in place of a live animal. Throughout history, mankind has been fascinated by the strength and  More »

Perhaps this powerful sculpture was offered as a perpetual gift to the gods in place of a live animal. Throughout history, mankind has been fascinated by the strength and grace of the bull. It has been the most prized sacrifice to the heavens, and frequently revered as a god itself. From Neolithic cave paintings to the Mithraic shrines of late antiquity, the bull has served as an apt metaphor for strength and nobility. This magnificent sculpture captures both those qualities at the same time as it reflects nature. - (FZ.135)   « Less

The tradition to which this powerful little god belongs is as old as civilization itself. Heroically nude, wearing only a helmet, arm upraised as if to hurl a weapon, he is  More »

The tradition to which this powerful little god belongs is as old as civilization itself. Heroically nude, wearing only a helmet, arm upraised as if to hurl a weapon, he is kin to Ba'al, to Zeus, to Mars. A sky god, a lightening god, a war god, he symbolizes strength and power. Perhaps the person who offered this votive long ago was seeking victory in battle. The outcome of that ancient war seems unimportant in the context of the centuries, yet the confident energy of this little god remains strong. - (FZ.212)   « Less

Since the dawn of time, in every part of the world, man has worshiped his gods with the burning of fragrant woods, oils and spices. The ancient trade routes to the East did a  More »

Since the dawn of time, in every part of the world, man has worshiped his gods with the burning of fragrant woods, oils and spices. The ancient trade routes to the East did a thriving business in incense, and the shrines and temples of antiquity were laden with the precious smoke from its burning. Centuries ago, some person unknown placed incense in this brazier so that the smoke would rise through the holes to please some now-forgotten god. It was not perhaps the gift of a wealthy person, yet in the presence of this vessel we feel the power of those ancient aspirations and dreams. - (P.0191)   « Less

Since the dawn of time, man has offered votives to win the benign favor of his gods. Sometimes these were perishable gifts of food, or wine, or livestock. At other times they  More »

Since the dawn of time, man has offered votives to win the benign favor of his gods. Sometimes these were perishable gifts of food, or wine, or livestock. At other times they were figures of stone, metal or clay--votives of a more enduring nature. The temples of antiquity were filled to overflowing with lively depictions of deities, royalty, ordinary folk and animals, all meant to capture the attention of the silent heavens. As symbols of human aspiration, tokens of dreams whose outcome has long been forgotten, such objects place us directly in touch with the living past. - (P.4078)   « Less

since the dawn of time, man has offered votives to win the benign favor of his gods. Sometimes these were perishable gifts of food, or wine, or livestock. At other times they  More »

since the dawn of time, man has offered votives to win the benign favor of his gods. Sometimes these were perishable gifts of food, or wine, or livestock. At other times they were figures of stone, metal or clay--votives of a more enduring nature. The temples of antiquity were filled to overflowing with lively depictions of deities, royalty, ordinary folk and animals, all meant to capture the attention of the silent heavens. As symbols of human aspiration, tokens of dreams whose outcome has long been forgotten, such objects place us directly in touch with the living past. - (P.4081)   « Less