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Lady of Ibiza

Lady of Ibiza is a 47-centimeter-tall clay figure from the Punic period of the Balearic Islands. It was found in the necropolis at Puig des Molins on the island of Ibiza, in the Mediterranean. Made in a mold, it has a cavity in the back, a feature shared by the other known “ladies” and thought to have held relics, offerings, or funerary ashes. The sculpture is generally understood as a representation of a Carthaginian goddess, probably Tanit, associated with the Phoenician goddess Astarte. Its dress and jewelry are richly ornamented. The work is currently exhibited at the National Archaeological Museum of Spain in Madrid.

Lady of Ibiza clay figure with an elaborate headdress and intricate scrollwork patterns
The Lady of Ibiza is shown as a decorated standing clay figure with an ornate headdress and patterned garments.
0400 © Relanzón, Santiago (photo) · CC BY-SA 4.0
Lady of Ibiza terracotta statuette with an elongated neck, stylized face, and ornate patterned headpiece.
The Lady of Ibiza shown as a light-colored terracotta female statuette with elaborate decorative details.
January 2022 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Lady of Ibiza clay figurine with elaborate headdress, necklaces, and decorated dress
The Lady of Ibiza shown as a richly decorated clay figurine with an ornate headdress and jewelry.
April 2014 © · CC BY-SA 4.0
Lady of Ibiza sculpture showing a standing female figure in profile with an elaborate headdress and decorated attire.
Lady of Ibiza shown in profile, with an ornate headdress and richly decorated clothing.
0400 © Relanzón, Santiago (photo) · CC BY-SA 4.0
Back view of the Lady of Ibiza clay figure with a rough surface and a metal support rod.
The back of the Lady of Ibiza is shown with its rough clay surface and supporting rod.
0400 © Relanzón, Santiago (photo) · CC BY-SA 4.0

Identification

TitleLady of Ibiza
Original nameLa Dama de Ibiza
TypeClay figure

Historical context

Date3rd century BC
Historical contextCreated during the Punic occupation of the Balearic archipelago

Creator

TechniqueMade in a mold; the arms with the hands held forward were added afterward

Discovery and provenance

FindspotPuig des Molins necropolis, Ibiza, Balearic Islands
Discovery contextFound during excavations in a necropolis

Physical characteristics

Height47 cm
Back cavityHollow back cavity

Materials

MaterialClay

Appearance

DecorationRichly ornamented clothing and jewelry; garment decorated with plant motifs and a Gorgoneion; diadem decorated with rosettes

Iconography and meaning

SubjectProbably a Carthaginian goddess, possibly Tanit
Religious associationLinked to the Phoenician goddess Astarte
Cavity interpretationPossibly used to contain relics, funerary offerings, or the ashes of the deceased; possibly for hanging

Location and ownership

Current locationNational Archaeological Museum of Spain, Madrid
Inventory number1923/60/541

History and restoration

Related findsNumerous similar figures were found in the graves of the Punic occupation phase of the Puig des Molins necropolis; most of the figures found there are representations of goddesses
Artistic influencePossible influence from Greek art via Magna Graecia; compared with Sicilian and Carthaginian prototypes

Significance

Artistic significanceImportant example of Punic pottery