The die was likely used for repoussé work. The repoussé technique was often used by ancient civilisations to create a decorative metalwork reliefs or patterns in gold, silver, copper and other malleable metal items. They were created by hammering them from the reverse onto the pattern etched into bronze, like this fine example. The technique was used to create delicate gold and silver-ware, and has also been seen in ancient jewellery, shields and plaques.
The posture of the female figure on this piece is commonly found in many ancient civilisations across the Near East and the Mediterranean. Such a posture, with one hand or both cupping the breasts, suggests a link to fertility cults and the female can be interpreted as a goddess in some cultures, such as Tanit the patron goddess of Carthage, or Ishtar the Mesopotamian fertility goddess.
