Zoomorphic Askos from Beatas Street Necropolis Preserved in the Museum of Malaga in Spain

Abstract

A terracotta figure which can be dated to the 1st century BC coming from one of the burial areas documented in the city of Malaga (Spain) located in Beatas Street is described. The figure is currently being displayed in the Museum of Malaga and has remained unpublished up until now. It corresponds to a zoomorphic askos in the shape of a lion whose purpose would be to protect the tomb’s owner for the afterlife. The representation of this animal in this pottery shape could be linked with Phoenician female goddesses, particularly Tanit, and it is not very common in the ancient Phoenician colonies around the Mediterranean, being the only finding in Malaca, which certainly sparks interest.