Lady of Elche

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The Lady of Elche is a limestone bust that was unearthed in 1897 at L'Alcúdia, an archaeological site located on a private estate just two kilometers south of Elche, Spain. This priceless artifact is currently displayed in the National Archaeological Museum of Spain in Madrid. It's widely regarded as an Iberian relic from the 4th century BC, but its artistry suggests strong Hellenistic influences. According to The Encyclopedia of Religion, the Lady of Elche (Roman Illici) has a direct connection with Tanit, the Carthaginian goddess who was revered by the Punic-Iberians. The originally polychromed bust is believed to depict a woman wearing an intricate headdress and large wheel-like coils (known as rodetes) on each side of her face. The opening in the rear of the sculpture indicates that it may have been used as a funerary urn. A close-up look at the Lady of Elche reveals a treasure trove of details. Other artifacts associated with Iberian culture include the Lady of Guardamar, which features similar wheel-like rodetes and necklaces, or the Lady of Baza. While the Lady of Elche is a bust, there are indications that it was part of a seated statue, similar to the Lady of Baza (with which it shares similar necklace pendants) or a standing one like the Gran Dama Oferente from Cerro de los Santos (Montealegre del Castillo, Albacete). These three figures and the Bicha of Balazote are showcased in the same Iberian art hall in the National Archaeological Museum of Spain in Madrid.