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HOME :
Biblical Antiquities :
Chalcolithic Artefacts : Golan Basalt Altar in the Form of a Bird-Headed Deity
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Golan Basalt Altar in the Form of a Bird-Headed Deity - CK.0530
Origin: Golan, Israel
Circa: 4000
BC
to 3000
BC
Dimensions:
13.25" (33.7cm) high
Collection: Biblical
Medium: Basalt
Location: United States
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| Description |
This imposing 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 large and powerful work is
one of the earliest examples of religious art from a region that
would become known as the Holy Lands. The large beak-like
nose is emphasized as the seat of the breath of life. Here, the
simple yet essential act of breathing is suggested. It is through
breath that we are endowed with life. As such, the prominent
beak seeks to endow the cold, hard stone with the warmth of
life. Wings project slightly from the body of the altar,
heightening the avian quality of the work. Libations and
offerings to the gods would have been placed in the shallow
concave bowl on top of the head, likely to insure the continued
prosperity of crops. Thus this work was a result of religious
superstition that sought to link the forces of nature with the
actions of civilization. By worshipping this avian deity, the
ancient peoples of Golan hoped to influence the god, 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.0530)
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