Description:

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumerian, ca. 2500 to 2200 BCE. A creamy-white calcite stone pendant in the form of a ram effigy pierced for suspension through the posterior. The body stands on stocky legs, slightly delineated with notches on the underside, and atop the broad back is a basket with a rope round the stomach. The basket is drilled and pierced with an opening on the ram's head- while this could function as a second suspension hole, this likely represents a libation vessel. The ram was a symbol of fertility and virility and alabaster bowls carved into ram heads were used in ceremony to bless the deceased. Sumerians believed strongly in magic and the powers of amulets, created to be deterrents against the Evil Eye and perhaps death. Size: 1.35" L x 0.75" W x 0.8" H (3.4 cm x 1.9 cm x 2 cm); 2" H (5.1 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-John B. Kendrick II collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired 1965 to 1990; John B. Kendrick II was that son of John B. Kendrick, Wyoming governor and US senator

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#172429

  • Condition: Mineral and earthen encrustations. Minor surface abrasions, otherwise intact and very good.

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June 8, 2022 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 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000