Eastern Mediterranean / Levantine Terracotta Terracotta Fish
07
days
23
hours
52
minutes
29
seconds
Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 200 - € 250
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Eastern Mediterranean/Levantine terracotta fish votive dating to the Bronze Age to Early Iron Age (ca. 2nd–1st millennium BC), length 80 mm, weight 32 g, fully intact with weathered surface and shown on a dark metal stand; authentic original terracotta, legally acquired in 2026 from France via European auction.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Ancient Eastern Mediterranean Terracotta Fish
Culture: Eastern Mediterranean / Levantine
Period: Bronze Age to Early Iron Age (ca. 2nd - 1st Millennium BC)
Material: Terracotta
Dimensions: Length 80 mm
Weight: 32 g
Description :
A fascinating and rare zoomorphic votive offering depicting a stylized fish. Hand-modeled in antiquity, the figure captures the streamlined, hydrodynamic essence of the animal. The tail is distinctly defined by a series of vertical incised lines representing the caudal fin, while a subtle indentation at the front denotes the mouth or gills. In the ancient Near East and Eastern Mediterranean, fish were potent symbols of fertility, life, and the maritime economy, frequently offered at sanctuaries dedicated to water and prosperity deities.
Condition Report & Authenticity:
The artifact is fully intact with no modern repairs or restorations. The terracotta exhibits a deeply weathered, highly textured surface with earthly encrustations and localized wear, completely consistent with millennia of natural aging and burial. The simple yet expressive modeling remains clearly legible.
Display:
The votive fish is presented on a custom-made, dark metal stand designed to cradle its curved ventral profile. This tailored mount provides a "swimming" horizontal orientation, offering a highly aesthetic, museum-ready display.
Provenance
Legally acquired on the European art market.
Ancient Eastern Mediterranean Terracotta Fish
Culture: Eastern Mediterranean / Levantine
Period: Bronze Age to Early Iron Age (ca. 2nd - 1st Millennium BC)
Material: Terracotta
Dimensions: Length 80 mm
Weight: 32 g
Description :
A fascinating and rare zoomorphic votive offering depicting a stylized fish. Hand-modeled in antiquity, the figure captures the streamlined, hydrodynamic essence of the animal. The tail is distinctly defined by a series of vertical incised lines representing the caudal fin, while a subtle indentation at the front denotes the mouth or gills. In the ancient Near East and Eastern Mediterranean, fish were potent symbols of fertility, life, and the maritime economy, frequently offered at sanctuaries dedicated to water and prosperity deities.
Condition Report & Authenticity:
The artifact is fully intact with no modern repairs or restorations. The terracotta exhibits a deeply weathered, highly textured surface with earthly encrustations and localized wear, completely consistent with millennia of natural aging and burial. The simple yet expressive modeling remains clearly legible.
Display:
The votive fish is presented on a custom-made, dark metal stand designed to cradle its curved ventral profile. This tailored mount provides a "swimming" horizontal orientation, offering a highly aesthetic, museum-ready display.
Provenance
Legally acquired on the European art market.
Details
Culture
Eastern Mediterranean / Levantine
Century/timeframe
Bronze Age to Early Iron Age (ca. 2nd - 1st Millennium BC)
Name of object
Terracotta Fish
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2026
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Antique market
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
