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HOME :
Biblical Antiquities :
Chalcolithic Artefacts : Golan Basalt Altar
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Golan Basalt Altar - CK.0531
Origin: Golan, Israel
Circa: 4000
BC
to 3000
BC
Dimensions:
4.75" (12.1cm) high
x 10.625" (27.0cm) wide
x 10" (25.4cm) depth
Collection: Biblical
Medium: Basalt
$5,000.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
This basalt altar dates from the Chalcolithic era, the intermediate
period after the advent of stone tools and before the beginning of the
Bronze Age. This was an age of experimentation, when metalworking
was slowly perfected, giving rise to the Bronze Age. This work is one
of the earliest examples of religious art from a region that would
become known as the Holy Lands. Libations and offerings to the gods
would have been placed in the shallow concave bowl, likely to insure
the continued prosperity of crops. A drainage spout runs off to one of
the sides, implying that liquid libations played a central role in the
ancient ceremonies this altar would have been utilized during. This
work was a result of religious superstition that sought to link the
forces of nature with the actions of civilization. By worshipping
offering ritual sacrifices on this altar, the ancient peoples of Golan
hoped to influence the gods, to gain their benevolent favor, and to
dissuade their wrath. Even in our modern era, such superstitions
persist as good luck charms. This ancient sculpture touches the very
foundations human emotions, our fear of disaster and determination
to understand the natural world around us.
- (CK.0531)
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