Sumerian Tel Brak Eye Idol Fragment Collection

With conical body, the inner face bearing concentric rings of inked magical Aramaic text, repaired. 357 grams, 19 cm wide



Ex Family collection, London, UK, pre 1988.

Aramaic incantation bowls are particular to the Sassanian period and have been found in regions of modern Iraq. These simple ceramic bowls, also known as magic bowls, each contain an Aramaic inscription, written in ink, which spirals from the centre. The bowls seem to have played an important part in domestic life. For example, during excavation in Nippur in 1889, one or more incantation bowls were found in each house together with domestic artefacts, most often in doorways or under floorboards in the corner of rooms. The bowls are predominantly apotropaic, and the inscriptions tend to protect their owners from misfortunes such as those faced in child-birth, illness and evil spirits.

Carved stone seal formed as a bird with the head reversed, with drilled eyes and feather detailing to the wings, underside with incuse bird-in-flight motif; neck pierced for suspension. 67 grams, 60 mm



Collected from 1969-1999. From the collection of the late Mr S.M., London, UK.

Restrung; composed primarily of polished stone and shell beads of various types, including decoratively ribbed examples. 16.2 grams, 50 cm long



UK gallery, early 2000s.