Anatolian Obsidian Idol

Modelled in the round, depicting the (severed?) head of a Mesopotamian demon, with iconic facial features in relief; hollow with a vent to the neck; produced from a two-piece mould, with a median seam through the facial features. 191 grams, 87 mm



Private collection, Israel. with Holy Land House of Antiquities, Jerusalem, 1980s. Acquired by the current owner from the above, 2001. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12878-241678.

Within traditional Mesopotamian religion, Humbaba was a creature regarded as the guardian of the cedar forest and the brother of Pazuzu. He was represented as a giant who had been raised by the sun god, Shamash. However, this head could also refer to another deity or demon, like one of the heads found in the Kish excavations.

Rectangular with inlaid geometric and tendril designs to the lid and sides, inside and out; hinged lid, slots for pens and ink. 3.02 kg, 31.5 x 10.5 cm



Private collection, UK.

With an ovate blade, central rib and curved shoulders, the lozenge-section long shaft tapering towards the end, a rectangular tang with a bent tip. 830 grams, 40 cm



Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.

The spearhead represents a slender variant of type 1 of the Khorasani classification. The type 1 was characterised by a bent tang. It was the evolution of a typology which began much earlier in Mesopotamia and the Fertile Crescent, the type 4 of the Stronach classification, with a straight tang and square section, usually thickened at the base with a button tang.