From Ohnefalsch-Richter, Kypros.
in his marriage. Can this great sculpture refer to any other topic than the festive occasion of the victorious god’s marriage ceremonial when he meets the great bridal goddess?[29]
The name Istar has been traced also in the Phenician word Astarte. The goddess was held in high esteem in Phenicia and was regarded also as the patroness of navigation. Coins represent her standing on the prow of a ship, and, strange to say, very frequently she carries a Latin cross in her arms. Beside the cross her emblems are also the moon and the swastika, and the latter is frequently found on her dress, and in one very archaic leaden figurine discovered by Schliemann in the ruins of Troy, the swastika is placed on her body to indicate the mysterious power of procreation. The idol was apparently intended to be carried in the hand, for its lower part ends in a shapeless stick.
THE GODDESS OF NAVIGATION.
Sidonian coins reproduced from Calmet No. 6.
From the excavations of Cyprus we reproduce
SARGENT’S ASTARTE.