Description:

Ancient Near East / the Levant, later Chalcolithic Period to Early Bronze Age, ca. 4000 to 3000 BCE. A hand-drilled and polished grey basalt mortar, decorated with a slightly raised band around its neck, with a slightly flaring rim. What was this item used for? One was found in association with a smelting area used to make early bronze items; many are known from domestic contexts. Others come from graves that contained ceramics, jewelry, and a wide assemblage of stone tools, probably representing items used in life and then buried with their owners in death. Whatever its original use, it would have been a valuable tool, the result of many hours hard work to make. Size: 4.625" W x 3" H (11.7 cm x 7.6 cm)

Provenance: private New York, USA collection; ex New York, USA Richard F. collection

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#128333

  • Condition: Chips from rim, with wear on interior and exterior commensurate with age.

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November 21, 2017 7:00 AM MST
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