Sumerian Clay School Tablet

Displaying a winged god standing left battling a winged quadruped, a large winged insect in the field above; drilled vertically for suspension; chipped; accompanied by a museum-quality impression. 26.6 grams, 45 mm



From the 'S' collection, London, UK, 1970-1990s. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology in the 1980s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.202963.

Comprising two halves decorated in chased low relief, each half with a standing winged figure dressed in long embroidered tunic, holding a stylised snake(?) in the raised hand, the other hand extended along the wing; the left side with three attachment hooks and the right side with a perforated plaque with two lines of holes providing the possibility of extending the belt. 191 grams total, 80 mm each

Nice bronze patina with small scratches on the surface, antique deformations

Acquired prior to 2000. British private collection of Mr D.M., London, UK. Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11753-202365.

The genii symbolised both protection and fertility - their role was to safeguard and replenish the ancient kingdom of Assyria and therefore, on a personal buckle, the wearer of the belt. The representation of divine genii upon a belt plaque provided a link with the king and with the royal family, and it could be that such a belt was worn by important dignitaries, although the structure of the belt and its composition exclude the possibility of military use.

Bulbous bodied and decorated with a band of pricked dashes around the rim. 1.6 kg, 21 cm wide



From an important specialist collection formed in London, UK, before 1988.