This listing is for a quality alabaster statue of ancient Greek goddess Athena. Total dimensions (approx.): 3" (7.5 cm) x 3" (7.5 cm) x 10" (24 cm) (L x W x H). The statue is white with a patina of aging (as in photos).
Greek goddess Athena
Athena or Athene, often given the epithet Pallas, is an ancient Greek goddess associated with wisdom, handicraft, and warfare who was later syncretized with the Roman goddess Minerva. Athena was regarded as the patron and protectress of various cities across Greece, particularly the city of Athens, from which she most likely received her name. She is usually shown in art wearing a helmet and holding a spear. Her major symbols include owls, olive trees, snakes, and the Gorgoneion.
From her origin as an Aegean palace goddess, Athena was closely associated with the city. She was known as Polias and Poliouchos (both derived from polis, meaning "city-state"), and her temples were usually located atop the fortified acropolis in the central part of the city. The Parthenon on the Athenian Acropolis is dedicated to her, along with numerous other temples and monuments. As the patron of craft and weaving, Athena was known as Ergane. She was also a warrior goddess, and was believed to lead soldiers into battle as Athena Promachos. Her main festival in Athens was the Panathenaia, which was celebrated during the month of Hekatombaion in midsummer and was the most important festival on the Athenian calendar.
In Greek mythology, Athena was believed to have been born from the head of her father Zeus. In the founding myth of Athens, Athena bested Poseidon in a competition over patronage of the city by creating the first olive tree.
About Alabaster
Alabaster is derived from Greek "ἀλάβαστρος" ("alabastros") or "ἀλάβαστος" ("alabastos"), both used to denote a vase of alabaster, it is a translucent rock with similar properties to marble and it has been used for centuries for statuary, carvings, and other ornaments. Alabaster is processed to form a thin powder which is then mixed with resins and other components to provide high quality art products and decorative items with fine detail and a very smooth finish.
Please note that the item listed in this page is a hand finished, high quality, alabaster cast.
Product Disclaimer
Due to monitor settings, monitor pixel definitions and other factors, the color in the image may vary slightly from the actual color of the product. Furthermore, because the products are finished one at a time by hand, it is almost impossible to create identical items. Items may therefore have natural blemishes/variations that are not product flaws.