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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

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AUCTIONS:

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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)

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