Description:

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumeria, ca. 2500 to 2200 BCE. A smooth, creamy-white calcite amulet of a ram with large curled horns, drilled eyes, and drilled through the center of the body for suspension. The body is dominated by the head and broad body, with four tiny, nubbin legs. The Sumerians believed strongly in magic, and the magical powers of amulets, created to be deterrents against the Evil Eye. The oldest of these amulets are stone animal form ones like this one. The ram was a symbol of fertility and virility. Many of these amulets were engraved with protective motifs - possibly like the groove on this one - to bolster their magical prowess. Size: 1.3" W x 0.8" H (3.3 cm x 2 cm)

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#143005

  • Condition: Wear on surface commensurate with age, with faint patina and deposits.

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February 6, 2019 7:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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