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LOT 1132
Western Asiatic Bone Bearded Figure
1ST MILLENNIUM B.C.
2 3/8 in. (7.37 grams, 59 mm).
Carved in the round with sockets to the eyes, drilled ears, wavy beard descending to the chest; genitals and stub legs; peg to top of head and another beneath feet, square panels at the arms; possibly a votive, or one element from a larger frieze. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom the collection of a London antiquarian, 1980s.
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:
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Western Asiatic Mixed Agate and Carnelian Bead Group
1st millennium B.C. and laterEstimate: £500 - 700 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £250
Mainly bicones, oblates, rounded and barrel shapes. 272 grams total, 7-28 mm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Massive Western Asiatic Terracotta Jar
2nd-1st millennium B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £169
With carinated profile, rounded underside and basal ring; scooped shoulder and flared rim to the mouth with stepped contour, rim chipped. 12.35 kg, 39 cm
Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection. -
Fragmentary Jewish Magic Bowl with Aramaic Incantation Against Evil Spirits and Drawing of the Devil
Circa 4th-8th century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £260
Broad terracotta bowl with extensive inked inscription and symbols to the inner face; repaired and partly disassembled. 382 grams total, 9-17 cm
From an important family collection, London and Geneva.
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.
