Loading, please wait...

Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
Details

LOT 0227

Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon

1900-1800 B.C.

3 3/8 in. (191 grams, 87 mm).

Modelled in the round depicting the (severed?) head of the Mesopotamian demon Humbaba, with iconic facial features in relief; hollow with vent to the neck; produced from a two-piece mould, with median seam through the facial features.

Provenance

Private collection, Israel.
with Holy Land House of Antiquities, Jerusalem, 1980s.
Acquired by the current owner from the above, 2001.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12878-241678.
This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Footnotes

Within traditional Mesopotamian religion, Humbaba was a creature regarded as Guardian of the Cedar forest and the brother of Pazuzu. He was
represented as a giant who had been raised by the sun god, Shamash.

CONDITION
VETTING:

TimeLine 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.

LOT 0227

Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon

Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Large Bactrian Terracotta Chalice
    Large Bactrian Terracotta Chalice
    3rd-2nd millennium B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £156

    Comprising a broad shallow bowl with rounded rim supported by a sturdy ribbed shank on a conical base; painted rings, arrows and other motifs. 5.6 kg, 32.5 cm wide



    Ex London, UK, collection, 1990-2000. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Nishapur Cream-Glazed Calligraphic Bowl
    Nishapur Cream-Glazed Calligraphic Bowl
    10th-13th century A.D.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £169

    Funnel-shaped with stepped foot, cream-glazed inner face with bold orange Kufic script motif; repaired. 324 grams, 17.2 cm wide



    From the private family collection of Ersula Barter-Hemmerich, the longest serving member of staff working at the United Nations, her private collection formed in the 1950s and 1960s; thence by descent to her grandson. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

  • Neo Assyrian Haematite Cylinder Seal with Gods
    Neo Assyrian Haematite Cylinder Seal with Gods
    900-600 B.C.

    Sold for (Inc. bp): £364

    With frieze depicting a four-winged demon advancing towards a gryphon, bull-head standard and other objects in the field. 3.14 grams, 15 mm



    Ex S collection, London, UK, 1970-1990s. This lot has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database, and is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list