The Lady of Baza is a remarkable ancient statue discovered on July 22, 1971, by archaeologist Francisco José Presedo Velo during excavations in the necropolis of Baza, near Granada, Spain. Dating back to the 4th century BC, the statue is attributed to the Celtiberians of the Bastetani, whose capital was located nearby.
This intricately designed statue portrays a seated female figure on a throne, with hands resting on her knees. She wears a distinctive headdress similar to that of the Lady of Elche, a diadem, and large earrings, giving her a regal and solemn appearance. Traces of polychrome paint are still visible, suggesting its original vibrant decoration.
On the statue’s back is an opening thought to have held cremation ashes, suggesting a connection to funerary rituals. This has led scholars to speculate that the figure may represent a deity ᴀssociated with death and the afterlife.
The Lady of Baza is now housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Madrid, displayed alongside reconstructions of other notable Iberian statues, including the Lady of Elche and the Lady of Ibiza.
