Ashera Goddess of Fertility - Ancient Middle Eastern Religion | Historical Art and Culture by Elianne van Turennout

About "Ashera Goddess of Fertility - Ancient Middle Eastern Religion | Historical Art and Culture"

by Elianne van Turennout

About the artwork

Ashera, also known as Astarte or Ashtoreth, is a fascinating goddess who played a central role in several ancient Middle Eastern religions, including the Canaanite pantheon. She was worshipped as a fertility goddess, associated with love, sexuality and the feminine aspects of nature. Her worship was widespread and documented in many cultures, including the Phoenicians, Israelites and Babylonians.

In some traditions, Ashera was considered the wife of El, the chief god of the Canaanite pantheon. She was often depicted as a goddess of beauty and abundance, with symbols emphasising her role in fertility rituals. Statues and artefacts of Ashera were often found in shrines and temples, where she was worshipped with devotion by her followers.

However, her worship also brought controversy. In the Hebrew Bible, Ashera is often condemned as a false deity and her worship labelled as idolatry. There are numerous passages urging the Israelites to destroy the images of Ashera and abandon her cult.

Despite this opposition, Ashera remains an intriguing figure in the history of religion. Her worship played a crucial role in ancient Middle Eastern societies and has left lasting traces in the art, literature and archaeology of the region. The influence of Ashera's cult is felt to this day, and her story continues to inspire and fascinate.