Western Asiatic Bronze Deer's Head

Complete and of spherical form, containing clay 'tokens'; the outer face impressed with enigmatic motifs. 229 grams, 65 mm



Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1988. 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.

The impressed detailing on the outer face of the sphere presumably gives an indication as to the contents, but since so few of these items survive intact there is little certainty on the subject.

Restrung designer necklace with two central feature beads; composed of graduated beads of various types of stone, glass and shell. 16.6 grams, 35 cm



Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.

Similar beads were found during the excavations of the royal tombs of Nimrud. Thousands of beads were discovered in the sarcophagi, including those of Nimrud’s Queens; they probably originally formed part of wide collars with multiple strands.

Distaff with spiral slot to the thicker end, separate domed whorl and tapering shank. 60 grams, 32 cm



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

Spindle whorls are one of the most durable traces of textile craft in the archaeological record. They can be found in copious quantities and diverse types. Whorls in the shape of discs, cylinders and cones of clay, bone, stone and other more precious materials are widespread in all areas and periods, evidencing the skills of craftswomen engaged in textile production.