Sumerian Priest Head Pendant

3RD MILLENNIUM B.C.

7/8 in. (13 grams, 23.5 mm (82 grams total)).

A haematite pendant in the form of the shaved head of a priest carved with semi-naturalistic facial features; drilled horizontally through the top of the head for suspension; displayed in a custom-made presentation box printed 'Derek J. Content Antiquities and Jewelry' to the interior.

Provenance

Acquired in the late 1970s.
Important North West London collection.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11644-199720.

Literature

Cf. Aruz, J. ed., Art Of The First Cities, The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2003, for figures showing stylistic similarities and for general discussion; cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 86.16.7, for a 3rd millennium B.C. head of a Neo-Sumerian man showing stylistic similarities.

CONDITION

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LOT 0199