The Majestic Lady of Cerro de los Santos
The Lady of Cerro de los Santos, also known as the Gran Dama Oferente, is a captivating limestone sculpture unearthed in Spain. This magnificent figure offers a glimpse into the lives and artistry of the ancient Iberians.
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Discovery and Description
In 1870, archaeologists made an extraordinary discovery in the sanctuary of Cerro de los Santos in Montealegre del Castillo, Albacete, Spain. They unearthed a remarkable limestone sculpture, now housed in the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid. The Lady of Cerro de los Santos stands 1.3 meters tall and dates back to the 2nd century BCE.
This magnificent figure depicts a full-length standing woman. Intricately adorned and holding a container in both hands, she appears to be offering it in a gesture of devotion.
Rich Attire and Ornamentation
The Lady of Cerro de los Santos stands as a testament to the high social status of aristocratic women in ancient Iberian society. Her attire offers a wealth of information about her place in society.
She is dressed in three overlapping tunics, each signifying her wealth and status. The lower tunic, with its fine folds, grazes the floor and frames her shod feet. Above it, she wears a finely embroidered tunic, while the uppermost tunic, or mantle, drapes hieratically under her hands, emphasizing her offering.
Her attire is fastened at the neck with a fibula or T-shaped pin. She wears three necklaces—two braided and one twisted—and five rings adorn her hands. On her head, a diadem decorated with wavy vegetal motifs sits, from which hang flower-shaped needles and infules, ending in intricately decorated earrings. One side of her braided hair features a rodete or wheel headgear, though the corresponding piece on the other side is missing.
A Sanctuary Unveiled: Cerro de los Santos
The sanctuary of Cerro de los Santos, where the statue was found, contained numerous votive offerings and sculptures. This suggests it was a significant location in the 4th century BCE, likely serving as a religious and potentially social gathering place for the Iberians.
Cultural Context and Significance
The Lady of Cerro de los Santos, with her rich dress and elaborate jewelry, highlights the importance of women in the religious and social practices of the Iberians. Archaeologists believe the sculpture represents a high-status woman participating in religious rites or offering gifts to deities. The proximity of the site to mineral water sources further suggests the sculpture’s association with salutary and religious significance.
Interpretations and Theories
Unlike other contemporary Iberian sculptures, such as the Lady of Baza, which are heavily influenced by Phoenician art, the Lady of Cerro de los Santos is believed to portray an aristocratic woman rather than a deity. This has led to intriguing theories about her purpose and identity.
Some experts suggest that wealthy Iberian women commissioned artisans to create sculptures in their likeness. These statues, placed in temples, served as offerings to native deities like Duillae, goddesses of fertility, or Ataecina, goddess of the underworld. These religious gestures aimed to secure divine favor, grant wishes, and ensure blessings in life and the afterlife.
While the exact identity of the woman remains unknown, the Lady of Cerro de los Santos offers valuable insights into the religious and social roles of women in ancient Iberia. Her depiction as a mortal woman making an offering underscores the significant role of women in religious practices and the intricate artistry of Iberian sculptors.
A Historical Treasure
The Lady of Cerro de los Santos, with her fierce femininity and supernatural aura, stands as a remarkable example of ancient Iberian art. This enigmatic statue, surviving millennia, continues to captivate and inspire, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of ancient Iberia.
Visitors to the National Archaeological Museum in Madrid can admire this fascinating sculpture in the “Protohistoria” gallery. Standing across from the equally intriguing Lady of Elche, the Lady of Cerro de los Santos invites onlookers to ponder the mysteries of her origin and the society that created her.
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