Mesopotamian Terracotta Mother Goddess Head

Fragments from different envelopes, some with remains of cylinder sealing or cuneiform lettering. 28 grams total, 17-37 mm



London, UK, art market, 1980s. Private collection, London, UK.

Openwork discoid seal with loop handle to the reverse; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze, 63x63x20 mm. This is round with flat face and flat back on which a handle of inverted U-shape is mounted on the back. The design is both compartmented and open-work. It shows a heraldic eagle in the middle: head up, wings spread, and tail feathers down, surrounded by a guilloche of nine spirals. The design is repeated by engraving on the back. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. The handle is worn, but otherwise it is in very good condition, and is a fine piece.' 63.6 grams, 64 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.

Pillow-shaped with columnar ribbing to the broad faces, dense cuneiform text in the columns. 57.2 grams, 63 mm



Private collection of Mr K., Maryland, USA. Private collection, Switzerland, acquired in 2000. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12893-241757.