Description:

Ancient Near East, Babylon or Sumeria, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A fascinating round pottery seal, pierced laterally and depicting a fleeing antelope. The animal's head is turned back as it runs, as if it is looking at whatever is chasing it. A small star is in the scene, above the animal's back. The ibex has very long, backward curving horns and a long tail depicted as flying forward to almost touch the horns. The iconography of the ibex is seen over and over again, replicated in pottery, gold, bronze, and stone, throughout the ancient Near East and central Asia. It is believed that their large horns signified virility, and by extension health, strength, and power. Comes on a custom display stand with a clay impression of the seal face. Size: 1.1" L x 1.25" W x 0.3" H (2.8 cm x 3.2 cm x 0.8 cm); 2.25" H (5.7 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection acquired before 2000

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#126264

  • Condition: Intact, with excellent remaining detail.

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August 31, 2017 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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