Western Asiatic Gold Pendant

A ceramic tablet fragment bearing dense cuneiform text to one face; held in a membranous frame, a divinatory treaty with observations on different configurations of the liver of a sheep (?) and their apodosis, that is to say the prediction for each case: the theme of 'the peril of the enemy army' is recurrent. 32 grams total, 70 x 70 mm including case



Ex 1970s collection. Property of a North London gentleman.

A copper-alloy penannular armband with shallow D-section hoop and terminals formed as stylised ram-heads each with exaggerated coiled horns, circular eyes set with cream-coloured beads and shallow semi-circular muzzles; transverse bands of geometric motifs along the neck. 620 grams, 10.4 cm wide



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11643-199677.

The bracelet is a product of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex ('BMAC', also developed from the 'Oxus Civilization') which was the dominant culture in the 3rd and 2nd millennium (often dated to c. 2250–1700 B.C.) in that area, corresponding roughly to modern Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The members of the group practised animal husbandry and a limited form of agriculture, with wheeled carts from the 4th millennium B.C . Its craftsmen were proficient at working metals and alloys including bronze, copper, silver, and gold. Fortified sites with multiple walls are another notable development.

A pair of bronze pins with bifurcated coiled terminals and incised geometric motifs to the upper stems. 59 grams total, 19-19.5 cm



UK private collection before 2000. UK art market. Property of a London gentleman.