Description:

Old Babylonian/Hittite, present-day Iraq, ca. 1600 to 1500 BCE. This plaque has a very clear bas relief depicting a trident with a swirling staff. Two arms of the trident are winged serpent heads. Includes custom stand. Size: with stand measures 5-1/2" x 3" x 1/4".

Winged serpents were powerful religious symbols in Babylon and are sometimes associated with Tiamat, the creation goddess. Terracotta plaques were ubiquitous items in the Old Babylonian era and were often copies of larger pieces of more elite artwork. These plaques are found throughout non-elite residential areas and probably acted as a shrine or decoration in the home. The majority of decoration was inspired by Mesopotamia-wide cosmology and religion, reflecting the extent of Mesopotamian cultural influence. Provenance: Ex-private New York, New York collection; ex-private Wagner collection, Cape Cod, MA, acquired in 1960's All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. #109055

  • Condition: The plaque is intact with no signs of cracking or repair, but is missing a substantial portion (approximately 3" x 1") below one side of the carving.

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August 29, 2015 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,000
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $25,000