Mortuary Statue (150-250 CE)

Title

Description

From the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology: "Square inscribed loculus relief with bust of woman in frontal position. Right arm is bent across front of body; left arm is bent grasping edge of veil. The woman wears a tunic and mantle pinned over the left shoulder with a circular brooch; the mantle falls in a broad curve below the right breast and has a loop on the bare right forearm. She wears a diadem with a palm motif at the center, a twisted turban, and a veil over the top of her head. Her hair is drawn back in locks from the sides of the face, disappearing beneath the veil. Several long locks fall over her right shoulder. She wears two necklaces: a rolled necklace with a small jewel hanging from it and a chain with a crescent pendant with knobs on the ends. On the little finger of her left hand are two rings with tiny stones set. She has cheekbones and broad, flat cheeks. The forehead is high with eyebrows on sharp ridges; prominent almond-shaped eyes, with a thickened ridge for the upper lid, overlapping the lower; raised circle with an incision around the perimeter for the iris; drilled dot for the pupil; emphasized lacrimal gland. Flattened nose bridge with broad nostrils. Indentation between nose and mouth. Small mouth with thick lower lip and deep indentation separating lips; small projecting chin; strong jawline.

The background is a dorsalium or curtain hanging from a rosette on each side, with a palm branch above each. Inscription in four lines to the right of the head: "Yedi 'at, daughter of Si'ona, son of Taime, Alas!" Traces of pinkish-red pigment on the dorsalium, the inscribed letters, the diadem, and the turban."

Language

Palmyrene Aramaic Inscription:

"Yedi 'at, daughter of Si'ona, son of Taime, Alas!"

Physical Dimensions

Height: 48 cm
Length: 41 cm
Depth: 21.5 cm

Source

University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology

Identifier

B8905

Women of Palmyra in American Museums

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