Ancient Statue of Armenian Goddess Anahit Arrives in Yerevan for the First Time

The bronze head and hand of a Hellenistic statue believed to depict the Armenian goddess Anahit have arrived in Armenia for the first time. These fragments, on loan from the British Museum, will be displayed in Armenia for six months, giving the Armenian people the opportunity to see a significant piece of their cultural heritage up close.

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The unveiling of the statue fragments took place at the History Museum of Armenia in Yerevan, with many Armenians, including Ani Khachatryan of The Armenian Report, attending the historic occasion. Khachatryan described the unveiling as deeply symbolic, noting how meaningful it was for Armenians to finally see these ancient artifacts return, even temporarily, to their homeland.

The statue fragments, known as the Satala Aphrodite, were discovered in 1871 in the ancient town of Satala, which is located in what was once Armenia Minor, now present-day Sadak in Turkey. These pieces are believed to date back to the 2nd or 1st century BC, during the Hellenistic period. Although the statue is traditionally associated with the Greek goddess Aphrodite, it has long been linked to Anahit, the Armenian goddess of fertility, healing, wisdom, and water.

The bronze head was acquired by the British Museum in 1873, after being sold by Italian art dealer Alessandro Castellani. The hand was later donated to the museum in 1875. Since then, these fragments have been part of the British Museum’s collection, admired by visitors from around the world.

However, this marks the first time that these significant pieces of Armenia's ancient history have returned to the country. They will be part of an exhibition titled "Mother Goddess: From Anahit to Mary," which will open on September 21, 2024, coinciding with Armenia’s Independence Day, and will run until March 21, 2025.

Anahit holds a special place in Armenian history and culture. According to ancient sources like the historian Strabo, the Armenians shared many religious beliefs with the Persians and the Medes, with Anahit being one of the most revered deities. She was seen as a benefactor to all humanity and the mother of knowledge, qualities that made her worship widespread among Armenians.

In ancient times, Armenian kings were strong supporters of the cult of Anahit. Before the adoption of Christianity in Armenia, King Tiridates III himself is said to have shown deep devotion to Anahit, referring to her as the “great lady Anahit” and “the benefactress of the whole human race.” Armenian tradition required kings to travel to the temple of Anahit at Eriza, located in the region of Acilisene, to offer sacrifices and celebrate festivals in her honor.

The temple at Eriza was one of the most prominent and wealthiest religious sites in Armenia. It was staffed by priests and priestesses, with the latter often coming from noble families. These priestesses would serve at the temple before marrying, adding to the sacred nature of Anahit’s cult.

However, the temple and statue of Anahit did not escape the ravages of time. According to the Roman historian Pliny, during the Roman general Mark Antony's campaign in the region, soldiers looted the temple and destroyed an enormous statue of Anahit made entirely of gold. The pieces were divided among the soldiers, marking the end of the temple's glory.

The arrival of the Anahit statue fragments in Armenia is more than just an exhibition—it represents a powerful connection to the country's ancient past. The exhibition at the History Museum of Armenia, "Mother Goddess: From Anahit to Mary," will explore the influence of Anahit throughout Armenian history and how the figure of the goddess has evolved over time. It will also show the transition from the ancient worship of Anahit to the reverence of the Virgin Mary in Christian Armenia.

For Armenians, this exhibition is a moment of pride and reflection. Anahit represents not only their pre-Christian heritage but also the resilience of their culture and history, which has survived countless challenges throughout the centuries. The fragments of this ancient statue serve as a reminder of the rich and diverse history of Armenia, from the ancient kingdom that worshiped Anahit to the modern republic celebrating its independence.

As the exhibition opens, Armenians will gather to admire these ancient artifacts, which have finally come home. This is not just a moment of historical importance, but a cultural celebration of Armenia's enduring spirit, resilience, and deep connection to its ancient past.

We encourage all of our readers planning to travel to Armenia in the next six months to purchase museum tickets and see Anahit in Yerevan.a