Print page | Email lot to a friend
Back to previous pageLOT 0316
Sold for (Inc. bp): £8,750
EARLY 1ST MILLENNIUM BC
15" (320 grams, 38cm).
A staff comprising a hollow alabaster shaft with ceramic terminals; lower end conical in shape with concave base, upper end with rounded shoulder, narrow neck and wide flat rim open to reveal hollow shaft.
PROVENANCE:
From the private collection of a North West London lady; previously with a central London gallery; formerly acquired before 1990.
LITERATURE:
Shamash, also known in the Sumerian tradition as Utu, was the Babylonian/Assyrian god of the sun and divine justice and held a central position in the Mesopotamian pantheon. Shamash was the judge of both heaven and earth and, at night, of the underworld. According to legend, Shamash handed over the code of laws to the Babylonian king Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylonian king. These laws have survived on a stele, now in the Louvre museum, including a depiction of the transaction. The god is usually depicted seated upon a throne holding the symbols of justice and righteousness, the staff and the ring.
TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous 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.
