Basic Information
- Period: Hellenistic period, 3rd - 1st century BC
- Material: Pentelic marble
- Collection: Acropolis Museum, Athens, Number ΝΜΑ 125
- Dimensions: Height 45 cm, a small votive statue
Interpretation of the Picture
Xerub is the Great Mother Goddess (Magna Mater) from Asia Minor, who governs the earth, nature, fertility and wild animals.
1. The goddess is seated on a throne, her head is missing; she is dressed in a heavy ancient Greek robe, with folds of fabric flowing down and smoothly covering her body.
2. On either side of the throne stand two lions, the lion is the most distinctive symbol of Xerub, representing her power to tame wild animals and govern nature.
3. Her right hand originally held a ritual bowl (now damaged), and her left hand held a tambourine (tympanon), which is the core ritual instrument in her sacrificial ceremonies.