Sumerian Cup with Animal Frieze

EARLY DYNASTIC PERIOD, 2900-2560 B.C.

1 3/4 in. (27.9 grams, 46 mm wide).

A truncated conical gypsum ritual drinking cup with rounded rim and discoid foot, displaying a frieze of mythological animals in relief to the exterior, including a lion-headed eagle with its wings spread, and an iconic Mesopotamian religious scene composed of a deity wearing a horned cup, flanked by a bull and goat; repaired.

Provenance

Acquired 1969-1999.
London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.

Accompanied by a previous typed cataloguing sheet.

Footnotes

In many ancient Mediterranean cultures, such vessels were symbols of wealth and status, or ritual objects associated with cult activities. Lion-headed eagles were associated with the god of Imdugud or Anzu, a divine bird and the personification of wind, thunder and cloud; this cup may have been used as a dedication to the god.

CONDITION

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LOT 0200