Tanit was the principle deity of 5th Century B.C. Carthage, in what is now Tunisia in North Africa. This Punic image represented the sky goddess, a mother and fertility symbol, a goddess of war and a deity who watched over and protected her worshipers.

The simplicity of this image is evocative of the female even in our day. Placed at the entrance to a home it symbolized the protection desired by the residents.

This mosaic is of tiny marble tesserae (pieces) mortared onto a concrete paver. It is hardy for outside use in any climate.

I teach mosaic workshops at the Santa Barbara School of Mosaic Art.