Loading, please wait...
_900x900.jpg "Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon")
_200x200.jpg "Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon")
_900x900.jpg "Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon")
_200x200.jpg "Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon")
_900x900.jpg "Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon")
_200x200.jpg "Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon")
.jpg "Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon")
.jpg "Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon")
.jpg "Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon")
LOT 0278
Old Babylonian Terracotta Head of a Demon
CIRCA 1900-1800 B.C.
3 3/8 in. (191 grams, 87 mm).
Modelled in the round, depicting the (severed?) head of a Mesopotamian demon, with iconic facial features in relief; hollow with a vent to the neck; produced from a two-piece mould, with a median seam through the facial features.
ProvenancePrivate 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.
Cf. The British Museum, museum numbers 127443 and 128821, for Humbaba faces; see Moorey, P. R. S., The Terracotta Plaques from Kish and Hursagkalama, c. 1850 to 1650 B.C., Iraq, vol.37, no.2, 1975, pp.79-99. Cf. also for a similar head Zaina, F., The Urban Archaeology of early Kish, 3rd Millennium BCE levels at Tell Ingharra, Bologna, 2020, pl.CXLII, no.7.
FootnotesWithin traditional Mesopotamian religion, Humbaba was a creature regarded as the 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. However, this head could also refer to another deity or demon, like one of the heads found in the Kish excavations.
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.
-
West Central Asian Bronze Stamp Seal with Cross
Circa 2300-2000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £39
Circular stamp seal with segmented face; 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 Silver 45 x 45 x 19 mm. This is round with notched outer edge, flat face and flat back on which is mounted a handle of inverted U-shape. The design is compartmented and consists of kind of four-armed cross with four small circles at its centre and more (drilled) circles along the arms, which diminish in width toward the edges. This comes from West Central Asia and dates to c. 2300-2000 B.C. It is heavy and generally in good condition. The incrustation on the surface could be removed.' 67.1 grams, 45.5 mm
Ex London, UK, collection, 1990s. Accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by Professor W.G. Lambert with reference no.W.861. -
.jpg)
Western Asiatic Lapis Lazuli Throne Fitting with Lion
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £6,000 - 8,000 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £3,000
From the arm of a throne with a D-shaped socket to the rear; formed as the foreparts of a lion with abundant mane covering two lion-cub heads with bearded human faces. 404 grams, 85 mm
Ex London gallery, 1990s. Private collection, London, UK. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13288-253395. -
Anatolian Gold Ring-Shaped Idol
4th millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,404
Sheet gold ring with repoussé annulet and band of pellets, T-shaped suspension. 2.79 grams, 35 mm
Acquired in the mid 1980s-1990s. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12424-226930.
