The worship statue of the goddess Astarte (or Ashtart) was found in 1964 inside a cell in the temple of the same name, and dates back to the 2nd century B.C., that was built above a Nuragic tower (figs. 1-2).

Figs. 1, 2 - Statue of Astarte from Monte Sirai (MOSCATI 1988b, p. 286); hypothesis of the return of the sacellum with the statue of Astarte (GUIRGUIS 2013, fig. 16)

The statue is missing an arm and was repaired after ancient damage through unknown causes, and is what remains of a much older item, that dates back to the 7th century B.C. It was originally different and may have represented a goddess on a throne. The head shows us the talent and style of the first sculptor, of Phoenician origin (figs. 3-4).

The statue, made from stone from nearby Paringianu, was made locally when the Phoe-nicians were present in Sulky-Sant’Antioco and Monte Sirai. It can be seen at the Na-tional Archaeological Museum of Cagliari, while a copy can be found at the “Villa Sulcis” Archaeological Museum of Carbonia.

Figs. 3, 4 - Details of the statue of Astarte (BISI 1987, Tav. I)