In the sixth century BC, Baal Hammon and Tanit gained increasing importance in Carthage and their influence spread to Punic Ibiza, where there is evidence that Tanit was worshipped and sacrifices made in her honor at the Cave of Es Culleram. The ceremonies probably concluded with the presentation of ex-votos, in this case terracottas of the goddess that have only been found at this shrine, which was used between the fourth and second centuries BC.
Other terracottas have appeared among the grave goods found at the necropolis of Puig des Molins.
The shrine of Villaricos consisted of an open-air favissa or rectangular trench rendered with plaster, where terracottas were deposited as offerings, and a cave possibly used for worship. The terracottas, of Sicilian origin, are mostly mould-cast female heads. Other offerings include clay vessels and containers for wine, oil or milk, used for libations. The shrine was active between the fourth and second centuries BC.
Bell-shaped figures representing the goddess Tanit, clay, 4th -2nd century BC, Shrine of Es Culleram (Ibiza).
The flower on the chest is a symbol of life and fertility, while the body is protected by two large wings, an attribute to the goddess Tanit. The figure shows traces of gold foil and decorative paint.
Photos: Füsun Kavrakoğlu, National Archaeological Museum, Madrid, 2026.
The Necropolis of Puig des Molins (Ibiza)
The ancient cremation necropolis of Puig des Molins, which covers an area of 1.2 hectares, confirms the populous nature of the Phoenician colony of Ebusus.
Although cremation continued after the sixth century BC, inhumation was introduced at this time, giving rise to large graves and, as a reflection of the colony’s new socioeconomic situation, the appearance of more and better-quality grave goods.
The increased use of the necropolis led to its expansion: 3,000 hypogea were built in its heyday, between 450 and 350 BC, although trench burial remained a common form of interment.
After the corpse had been ritually prepared and laid out, the deceased was carried to the tomb where he or she was to be interred. These ceremonial rites and the presence of terracottas, possibly representations of the goddess Tanit, guaranteed safe passage to the afterlife.
Naiskos, clay, 6th-5th century BC, Necropolis of Puig des Molins (Ibiza).
A votive chapel in the oriental tradition, primarily deposited at shrines but occasionally in tombs and houses as well. It may have contained the image of a deity.
National Archaeological Museum, Madrid.
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