Deity by the Sacred Tree

myminifactory

This relief is a stunning work of art from the Palace of Ashurnasirpal at Kalhu. A tree deity or tree spirit is a nature spirit deeply connected to the symbolism of trees. Such deities are found across many cultures, each with their own unique twist on this powerful symbol. Typically depicted as a woman, these deities are often linked to ancient fertility and tree worship traditions. In the ancient world, trees held a sacred status in both Europe and Asia. Unfortunately, Christianity and Islam later viewed the worship of trees as idolatrous, leading to widespread destruction across Europe and much of West Asia.