Biblical Archaeology Review 17:5, September/October 1991
Understanding Asherah—Exploring Semitic Iconography

I would like to focus on a single well-known archaeological artifact as an entry into ancient Semitic iconography. More specifically, I would like to examine the Lachish ewer—and related artifacts—in order better to understand the ancient Canaanite goddess Asherah,1 who is mentioned at least 40 times in the Hebrew Bible.
From the Biblical references, it appears that Asherah is referred to in three different manifestations: (1) as an image, probably a statue or figurine representing the goddess herself; (2) as a tree; and (3) as a tree trunk. The latter two are, in effect, symbols of the goddess.
Join the BAS Library!
Already a library member? Log in here.
Institution user? Log in with your IP address.