Relief of Aththaia
Name/Title
Relief of AththaiaEntry/Object ID
06NE18113Description
Relief bust of woman adorned with jewelry, facing forward.She is dressed in a full tunic and long himation which covers her head. Beneath this she wears a headdress and diadem with a string of jewels. She has elaborate earrings, two necklaces, three bracelets, three rings and a broach with three pendants. Right hand is lifted towards her face, touching her himation with her left had crossed over her abdomen. Inscription at left side next to her face.Type of Sculpture
ReliefArtwork Details
Medium
PlasterContext
This funerary relief of a prominent Palmyrene woman comes from a time under Roman imperial rule when many inhabitants of Palmyra began to accumulate wealth due to its location along important trade routes between Rome and Persia. Aththaia, a woman of significant wealth and status, appears here in her best dress including an ornate diadem, necklaces, bracelets, and rings that were likely made of gold and silver. The inscription on the right in Greek reads “Aththaia, daughter of Malchos, Happy One, Farewell”. Palmyrene funerary monuments extended high regard to women, which could be an indicator that women may have had more freedom in Palmyra than elsewhere.Made/Created
Date made
150 CE - 200 CETime Period
Roman ImperialEthnography
Culture/Tribe
Near Eastern - Palmyrene