Sirona source of healing power
Today we know very little about the goddess Sirona, who is probably roughly equivalent to Hygieia, the goddess of healing power and hygiene, the companion of Apollo, the god of healing. Not a single ancient written source survives of her name or myth, so historians and archaeologists must infer her significance as a goddess of healing and springs from surviving inscriptions and sculptures.
- Place of discovery: Hochscheid, Bernkastel-Kues district
- Original of the source goddess in the Landesmuseum Trier
- Height of the spring goddess: ca. 25cm
- real alabaster gypsum patinated
Sirona - companion of Apollo
Epigraphic evidence proving the existence of Sirona was found for the most part in provincial sanctuaries of Apollo. Sometimes the goddess is also seen - for example on reliefs - with the god of healing. For this reason, among others, it can be safely assumed that she had no cult of her own, but was rather worshipped as a companion of Apollo in his sanctuaries or at springs. Probably her myth can be borrowed from that of the original Greek Hygieia. This one also appears almost exclusively in connection with Apollo, but she is also mentioned in written sources and resembles Sirona also because of the comparable attributes.
How can I recognize Sirona?
Sirona figures - if they do not appear in connection with Apollo - can often be recognized by their resemblance to Hygieia. Sirona is dressed as a young woman with a long robe, the palla, and carries in her hand usually grapes or ears of corn, sometimes a snake - all three objects were considered fertility symbols in ancient times.
Sirona statue from the Roman store
The replica of the statue of Sirona from the Roman Shop is made of alabaster plaster and is about 25 cm tall. Extremely precise, it was copied from an original of the 2nd century AD. which is now in the Trier State Museum. Decorate your house or garden with the image of this extremely rare statue and bring a touch of ancient healing art to your home.
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