Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumeria, ca. 2500 to 2200 BCE. An exquisitely carved green stone amulet of a frog, posed with back legs crouched, and with a hole drilled through its center for suspension or sewing onto clothing. The Sumerians believed strongly in magic, and the magical powers of amulets, created to be deterrents against the Evil Eye. Size: 0.65" L x 0.5" W (1.7 cm x 1.3 cm)

The frog form is an interesting one, as most of these surviving amulets focus on animals associated with virility like rams or bulls. Some scholars have suggested that frog amulets were worn to promote fertility because frogs were often seen as embryonic or fetal. The ancient Egyptians, who shared some beliefs with the Sumerians, also sometimes buried their dead with frog amulets to protect and rejuvenate them.

Provenance: Ex-California Museum of Ancient Art, Ex- Bill Veres collection

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#120976

  • Condition: Expected age wear to surface but details are very well preserved. Cord shown in photo not included.

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March 27, 2017 10:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
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