Description:

**First Time At Auction**

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Neo-Assyrian, ca. 800 to 550 BCE. A wonderful example of a mold-cast bronze pendant featuring the head of Pazuzu, an Assyrian demon who is known as king of the wind demons. The bulbous head bears a highly stylized visage presenting teardrop-form eyes beneath heavy brows, a petite nose flanked with thick jowls, bared teeth and tongue, perky ears, and a narrow neck. Atop the head is an integral suspension loop used to hang the pendant from a necklace strand. Layers of brown and forest green patina have formed across the composition. Size: 0.4" W x 0.875" H (1 cm x 2.2 cm)

Pazuzu is often considered as an evil underworld demon, but also seems to have been a beneficial protector against pestilential winds. Pazuzu is also closely associated with the demon Lamashtu which caused miscarriage and cot death, acting as an antidote to her evil effects.

For a similar example, please see The British Museum, museum number 132964, registration number 1962,0514.1

Provenance: private Ventura, California, USA collection, acquired through descent; ex-private Ventura, California, USA collection, acquired at auction and from private collections from 1965 to 1970

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#164159

  • Condition: Softening to some facial features and light encrustations within recessed areas, otherwise intact and very good. Great patina across all surfaces.

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May 27, 2021 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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