Similarities of symbols

[expat]

While researching the image of Tanit, the worship of whom first became popular in the Tyrian colony of Carthage, I noticed a connection to Spain and elsewhere. Said worship could have begun in relation to Phoenician deity Astarte ( Ishtar ). A shrine dedicated to Tanit was excavated at Sarepta, Southern Phoenicia. A relationship between the two deities is hyposthatic, meaning two aspects of the same goddess.

Statue of Tanit with lions head

Phoenicians spread the cult of Tanit – Astarte to the Iberian Peninsular, Spain today.Her worship was maintained after the Roman conquest where she was integrated with the roman goddess Juno.Her symbol is found on many ancient stone carvings, more on the Island of Ibiza than anywhere else.

IMAGE OF STONE CARVING

This brings us to The Indalo, called Indal eccius ( messenger of the gods ) in the Iberian language.

IMAGE OF INDALO

The symbol, a prehistoric magical symbol, was discovered in a cave called Los Letreros in Almeria, Southern Spain, and dates back to 2500 BC. It was adopted as the official symbol of the Province of Almeria. Many people wear it as a charm or necklace for good luck, although it is believed beneficial only when it has been presented as a gift.

The American Indigenous Rights organisation Cultural Survival also uses an Indalo symbol on its logo.

Post your Iberian, Carthaginian, Phoenician coins or anything vaguely related

 

[Ryro]

Cool coin and fun write up!

I've always been fascinated with Tanit. The archaeological evidence does indeed support Roman claims that the Carthaginians sacrificed babies to her. That always helps me when I feel bad about Rome wiping them off the face of the earth. 

And every Carthaginians worst nightmare, maybe:

[expat]

Nice examples. Agreed, the Carthaginians probably worshipped her for vastly different reasons, none good.

[shanxi]

40 minutes ago, expat said:

This brings us to The Indalo, called Indal eccius ( messenger of the gods ) in the Iberian language.

Some pictures of the ancient cemetery of Carthage that I made in 2017, where you can find these symbols almost on every tombstone.

 

 

 

Edited August 27, 2022 by shanxi

[Edessa]

Carthage. Circa 300-264 BC. Æ Shekel (20mm, 5.17g, 12h). Carthage or Sardinian mint. Obv: Wreathed head of Tanit left. Rev: Horse head right; uncertain letter below chin (Punic letter "mem"?). Ref: Muller 285; MAA 57v; SNG Cop 162; HGC 2, 1671. About Very Fine, nice dark green patina. Attribution uncertain due to unclear Punic letter in right field of reverse. Appears to be a "mem" without the downward stroke but could be another letter. Ex Cayon Auction 22 (21 Jan 2011), Lot 2133.