Mesopotamian Amethyst and Gold Bead Necklace

With incised braided design forming diamond-shape hatching. 10.9 grams, 29 mm



Acquired 1970s-1996. Property of a North American collector, collection no.055. London collection, 2016.

Modelled in the round standing with head raised, recurved horns or antlers, slender muzzle with mouth detailing, incised ring-and-dot motif to shoulders and hips; mounted on a custom-made stand. 69.2 grams total, 80 mm high including stand



London art market, 1978. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12263-220844.

Stylistically, the item shares features with the Hattian stag figurine found in the royal tombs in Alacahöyük (now in the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, Ankara, Turkey) and dating from the period 2100-2000 B.C. The use of ring-and-dot embellishments to the flanks is suggestive of some cultural continuity. The animal depicted is probably an ibex rather than a European stag. However, a date of manufacture in the period after the fall of the Hittite Empire in the 12th century B.C. seems more probable.

A broad carinated bowl with radiating repoussé panels, central slightly domed roundel, carination below the rim. 233 grams, 17.5 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.