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LOT 1385
Large Sumerian Animal Amulet
3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 7/8 in. (62 grams, 74 mm).
Carved bifacial amuletic pendant of an ox with incised detailing, sockets for inlaid eyes, suspension hole at shoulder.
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
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Luristan Bronze Socketted Adze-Axehead
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £117
Comprising a triangular-section blade with a curved cutting edge and a rectangular-section blade with a gently curving cutting edge flanking a round socket. 741 grams, 19 cm
Ex Abelita family collection, 1980s-2000s.
The adze-axe was a fundamental weapon of many Bronze Age cultures around the world. The form lends itself to dual purposes - for war and peace. As a tool, it was used for fabricating wood; as a weapon, its heavy mass and compact form make it a deadly striking and chopping weapon, even able to defeat light armour. -
Sasanian Chalcedony Stamp Seal Group
Circa 3rd-7th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £52
Each with a lightly incised geometric motif. 19.27 grams total, 16.02-20.47 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Assyrian Double-Faced Pendant Depicting Pazuzu, King of Wind Demons
8th-6th century B.C.Estimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Carved in the round with flared base, addorsed faces of the demon with suspension lug above. 50.24 grams, 44 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.
The figure described as the 'King of Wind Demons' is commonly identified with Pazuzu, a well-known demon in Assyrian and Babylonian tradition. Despite his fearsome appearance, often shown with a canine face, bulging eyes, a scaly body, and wings, Pazuzu was not simply a malevolent force. He was understood as the ruler of the winds, particularly the hot, destructive winds from the desert, but was also invoked for protection. Most notably, Pazuzu was believed to ward off the demon Lamashtu, who threatened pregnant women and infants. Small amulets and pendants bearing his image were therefore worn or placed in domestic spaces as protective devices. Objects such as this pendant belong to that world of everyday belief, where the boundary between danger and protection was fluid, and where even a demon could serve an apotropaic role.
