Loading, please wait...
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
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Western Asiatic Cylinder Seal with Geometric Design
3rd-2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £150
With incuse geometric design of hatching and vesica shapes; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 5.38 grams, 26 mm
UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK. -
Western Asiatic Decorated Banded Agate Bead
1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £13
Fusiform type with incised geometric motif. 1.98 grams, 18.99 mm
From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s. -
Mesopotamian Heavy Silver Bead Necklace
3rd-early 2nd millennium B.C.Estimate: £5,000 - 7,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £2,500
Restrung and comprising mainly spherical, elongated ovals, oblates, and biconical shapes; accompanied by a custom-made lined display box. 224 grams, 56 cm
Numismatic and Ancient Art Gallery AG, Ancient Art of the Mediterranean World, No 8, no.5, c.1982. Taisei Gallery, Gold & Silver Auction, Part II, Ancient to Renaissance, 5 November 1992, The Conrad Salon, The Waldorf-Astoria, New York, no.39. Private collection, London. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13265-253358.
The Sumerian word for silver is kú-babbar, which means ‘white metal’. Silver was mined from ores that contained significant amounts of other metals and impurities and therefore requires a great deal of further processing before it can be used. It was considered sacred and immutable, and an extremely high-status material, used for royal jewellery.
