Statuette of a naked woman, maybe the Great Goddess of Babylon (or Ishtar). From the necropolis of Hillah, near Babylon, The Louvre.
Dated between 3rd century BC and 3rd century AD. Made of alabaster, gold, terracotta and rubies as eyes and her belly button.
Astarte (also known as Ishtar and Astoreth), is the chief goddess of female divinity, connected with fertility, sexuality, and war. Her symbols were the lion, the horse, the sphinx, the dove, and the venus symbol. She has also been known as the deified morning or evening star.
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