Nehalennia-altaar met staande Nehalennia met armen onder haar mantel 1715

This anonymous engraving depicts Nehalennia, a goddess worshipped in the province of Zeeland, in the Netherlands. Nehalennia emerges from the complex story of cultural exchange in the Roman Empire. She is a fascinating example of syncretism, blending indigenous beliefs with Roman religious practices. The goddess is depicted in a temple with classical architectural elements, while she herself seems to carry aspects of both Celtic and Roman iconography. Her association with seafarers and trade reflects the economic activities of the region. This image develops an alternative narrative, depicting Nehalennia with her hands under the folds of her mantle, which contrasts with traditional representations. What does this gesture, shielding and nurturing, tell us about the communities that once venerated her? It’s a gentle reminder of how deities can embody both the strength and the vulnerabilities of the human experience.