Description:

Near East, the Levant, Philistine, ca. 1200 to 1000 BCE. A ceramic frontally facing head of a lion, nicely modeled and detailed, its visage presenting large eyes comprised of incised concentric circles, flared nostrils, an open mouth with protruding tongue, and pointed ears, emerging from the circular protome, with perforations on the upper end for attachment or suspension. Custom stand. Size: 4.375" W x 5.125" H (11.1 cm x 13 cm); 6.625" H (16.8 cm) on stand

This piece was collected by the California Museum of Ancient Art which was founded in 1983 in Southern California to create the first museum collection focusing exclusively on the Ancient Near East. Representing the geographic regions of Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Levant from approximately 3500 BCE to 500 CE, the museum's mission is to share the stories of the peoples of the Ancient Near East and catalyze a better appreciation for the roots of Western Civilization. The goal is to bring these ancient peoples - from Sumer, Elam, Babylon, Assyria, Hittite Anatolia, Canaan, Philistia, Israel, Judah, and Egypt of the Pharaohs to the beginnings of Rabbinic Judaism and early Christianity - to life. The likeness of a lion's head was popular among the Philistines, the Biblical arch-rivals and foes of the Ancient Israelites. See Trude & Moshe Dothan People of the Sea: the Search for the Philistines, plate 20 for a similar lion-faced vessel from the ancient Philistine City of Ekron.

Provenance: Ex-California Museum of Ancient Art, ex-David Liebert collection

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#120953

  • Condition: Expected surface wear with abraded areas and small losses as shown.

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March 15, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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