Description:

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumeria, ca. 2500 to 2200 BCE. A charming, smooth, creamy-white calcite amulet of a ram with large curled horns and drilled through the center of the body for suspension. The body is dominated by the head and broad body, with four tiny legs. A thin, horizontal groove has been worn into one side of the body. Size: 1.4" L x 1.15" H (3.6 cm x 2.9 cm)

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.

Provenance: Ex-California Museum of Ancient Art, Ex Abu Taam, 1985

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#120961

  • Condition: Loss to tip of one horn, otherwise excellent.

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

Artemis Fine Arts

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