Loading, please wait...
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.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
-
Kingdom of Larsa Cuneiform Tablet for Food Distribution in Ubar-iltum
18th century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £910
A large portion of a pillow-shaped clay tablet, bearing cuneiform text to one face and side edge, relating to food distribution in Ubar-iltum, Maši depending on the service of Adalšenni etc. Kingdom of Larsa (?). 55 grams, 45 mm
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This small collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. -
Mesopotamian Pictographic Administrative Tablet
Uruk III, circa 3000 B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £4,940
A bifacial, lentoid-section rectangular clay tablet with rounded corners and short sides, medial horizontal line to each face, with hand-drawn pictographs above and below, a count of sheep and caprids. 42 grams, 66 mm wide
Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1992. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11637-198551.
Early writing was used primarily as a means of recording economic data; this tablet likely records deliveries and distributions of grain. At the end of the 4th millennium B.C., written language developed in Mesopotamia as pictographs, later evolving into abstract forms called cuneiform. Pictographs were drawn in the clay with a pointed implement. Circular impressions alongside the pictographs represented numerical symbols. Cuneiform (meaning wedge-shaped) script was written by pressing a reed pen or stylus with a wedge-shaped tip into a clay tablet. -
Luristan Standing Ibex
1st millennium B.C.Estimate: £300 - 400 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £120
A copper-alloy ibex statuette modelled standing on a tiered plinth, suspension loop to base of neck; mounted on a custom-made display base. 45 grams total, 58 mm high including stand
Acquired before the early 1970s. Ex London, UK, gallery. Property of a London gentleman.
