Urartu Bronze Bracelet with Beast Heads

Comprising two examples from the Jemdet Nasr Period, one white limestone with three rows fish; a second pink limestone with cross-banded hatching; accompanied by a third Early Dynastic example circa 2700-2500 B.C., in grey limestone with contest scene, with a male figure between two rampant antelope. 9.69 grams total, 12-19 mm



From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent.

Haematite with a group of four standing figures consisting of a bearded male wearing a kilt and horned cap, crescent moon to the top; in front a male wearing long robes, hands raised in worship, behind a female in long robes and with arms crossed over chest; behind a male figure in long robes and wearing a horned cap, hand resting on shoulder of female; rectangular panel with three rows of cuneiform text. 4.32 grams, 15 mm



From an important North London collection formed in the late 1980s. From a collection acquired from various auction houses in the UK. From the estate of Mr R.W., a private Wiltshire, UK, collector; thence by descent.

Modelled in the round, the stag standing with legs firmly set, ears and antlers carefully modelled; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 291 grams total, 88 mm including stand



From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

In Anatolia, cult objects in the form of a deer found in the Royal Cemetery of Alaca Höyük, dating to the 3rd millennium B.C., suggest worship of this animal. This continued during the Hittite period where bronze statuettes of this type were widespread. The cult was widespread in the Mediterranean-Aegean world. Even on the remote island of Sardinia, similar cultic and votive statuettes were made.