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LOT 0264
Neo-Assyrian Black Stone Multifacetted Pazuzu Head
CIRCA 600 B.C.
1 3/8 in. (19.94 grams, 34.28 mm).
Modelled in the round, four addorsed heads, each with snarling mouth and furrowed brow; pierced vertically.
ProvenanceFrom the 'S' collection, London, UK, 1970-1990s.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13286-253337.
Cf. a similar bronze head of Pazuzu in BM, accession no.132964, in Braun-Holzinger, E.A., Figürliche Bronzen aus Mesopotamien, Abteilung I, Band 4, Munich, 1984, pl.53, p.264.
FootnotesPazuzu, in the Mesopotamian mythology, is described as ‘the son of Hanbu and king of wind demons’. Amulets with images of his full body or, more often, just his head, were common in the early first millennium B.C. Pazuzu was most popular in the Neo-Assyrian and Neo-Babylonian periods, from about the late 8th century B.C. through the 6th century B.C.
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
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From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Assyrian Bronze Axehead with Cuneiform Inscription
8th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £3,120
Comprising a barrel-shaped socket with rounded collars and a hole to the rear to accept a mounting peg, a wedge-shaped blade with a stepped neck; incised cuneiform text on both faces of the blade and the socket; votive type. 141 grams, 94 mm
Private collection, acquired on the European art market in 2002. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13206-249182.
The royal inscriptions on weapons were common in Mesopotamia. Our blade, although younger, finds a parallel with an Assyrian cuneiform-inscribed bronze axe blade bearing the name of the Assyrian king Adad-nirari I, dating back to the reign of King Adad-Nirari I (1307-1275 BC) from Assyria, currently on display at the Louvre Museum in Paris. -
Western Asiatic Glass and Stone Bead Necklace String
1st millennium B.C. and laterSold for (Inc. bp): £39
Composed of mixed beads, including a drop-shaped pendant, restrung. 27.9 grams, 33 cm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s.
