Lady of Elche
| Lady of Elche | |
|---|---|
| Dama de Elche | |
| Type | Bust |
| Material | Limestone |
| Height | 56 cm (22 in) |
| Width | 45 cm (18 in) |
| Depth | 37 cm (15 in) |
| Weight | 65.08 kg (143.5 lb) |
| Discovered | 1897 La Alcudia, Elche |
| Discovered by | Manuel Campello Esclápez |
| Place | National Archaeological Museum |
| Culture | Iberians |
The Lady of Elche (Spanish: Dama de Elche, Valencian: Dama d'Elx) is a limestone bust that was discovered in 1897, at La Alcudia, an archaeological site on a private estate two kilometers south of Elche, Spain. It is now exhibited in the National Archaeological Museum of Spain in Madrid.
It is generally known as an Iberian artifact from the 4th century BC, although the artisanship suggests strong Hellenistic influences. According to The Encyclopedia of Religion, the Lady of Elche is believed to have a direct association with Tanit, the goddess of Carthage, who was worshiped by the Punic-Iberians.