Putrescence

About

Putrescence takes its name from Mot, the Canaanite god of death and the Underworld. Known by various names including Maweth in different ancient languages, Mot was worshipped among the people of Ugarit and in Phoenicia, where Canaanite religion held significant cultural importance. Most of what is known about this deity comes from texts discovered at Ugarit, which provide primary sources for understanding Canaanite mythology. Additional references to Mot appear in surviving fragments from Philo of Byblos's Greek translation of writings by the Phoenician author Sanchuniathon. The artist's choice to reference this ancient figure reflects an interest in historical and mythological themes rooted in early Mediterranean civilizations.