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LOT 0197
Syro-Hittite Figurine with Animal
CIRCA 2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.
5 in. (56 grams, 12.6 cm high).
An abstract terracotta figure modelled standing, carrying a small animal in its arms, possibly a kid, with a pinched head, large circular eyes, conical headpiece, discoid ear ornaments and a neck ornament.
ProvenanceCollection of a deceased London gentleman, 1979-1999, by descent.
Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no. N122e89 from Oxford Authentication.
Accompanied by a previous typed and illustrated catalogue page.
The Syro-Hittite states rose to prominence in northern Syria and southern Anatolia (modern Turkey) following the collapse of the Hittite Empire, during which time many such figures were produced and widely distributed for domestic use. Such figures, later pejoratively referred to as 'idols', depicted deities carrying or standing with animals.
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AUCTIONS:
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Western Asiatic Earring Pair Collection
1st millennium B.C. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £26
A group of three pairs of copper-alloy earrings: one pair with conical terminals; one annular pair with coiled wire projections; hoop formed two additional loops with coiled sleeve between. 17 grams total, 21-43 mm
Early 1990s London collection. Acquired on the UK art market. From a private collection, Lancashire, UK. -
Tel Brak Type Alabaster Eye Idol
Circa 3rd millennium B.C.Estimate: £250 - 350 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £125
A Tel Brak type creamy alabaster anthropomorphic eye idol, possibly of figurative female form, carved with a bell-shaped body, two 'breasts', remains of openwork 'eyes' above. 33.5 grams, 43 mm
Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late Mr S.M., thence by descent.
A classic artefact type from ancient Mesopotamia. Likely hand-carved using drills and string cutting. Eye idols were so named in the 1930s by the British archaeologist Max Mallowan. Whilst excavating a mound called Tel Brak, he discovered hundreds of anthropomorphic items of similar form, thus naming the mound 'Temple of the Eyes'. -
Western Asiatic Terracotta Flagon
2nd-3rd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £195
An ovoid ceramic flagon with waisted neck, rolled rim and integral oval-section handle. 1.74 kg, 31 cm high
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.
