Description:

Ancient Near East, Tel Brak, modern day Syria, Middle Uruk Period, ca. 3700 to 3500 BCE. An abstract carved marble figure with a flat body surmounted by two well defined, incised eyes. The body is plaque-like, square aside from sloping shoulders and a v-shaped depression carved below the head, giving the impression of a neckline. This example is in excellent condition for its age. Size: 2.2" W x 2.3" H (5.6 cm x 5.8 cm); 3.6" H (9.1 cm) on included custom stand.

These idols were used for dedication to an all seeing god who watched over the populations of early Mesopotamia. They have been excavated from a building we call the Eye Temple; many are incised with multiple sets of eyes and other have "children" -- smaller eyes and body carved on the body of the larger idol. Wide eyes meant attentiveness to the gods in Mesopotamian art.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection; ex-William Froelich collection, New York, USA, collected in the 1970s

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#143441

  • Condition: Intact, with deposits on surface and an interesting, almost silvery patina, especially on the lower body.

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February 21, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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