Western Asiatic Mixed Stone Bead Necklace

Comprising two annular rings with triangular projections, one with a single ring-and-dot motif to both sides, the other with double ring-and-dot motif to each side. 3.43 grams total, 25-26 mm



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

Modelled in the round, with humped shoulder and downturned horns. 60 grams, 83 mm



Private collection Mr S.A., acquired in 1991. Thence by descent.

The figurine was modelled simplistically and only the presence of a hump and horns makes it possible to identify the animal as a zebu, which was common in the prehistoric Mesopotamian world. Similar figurines, which reproduced animals and humans, are typical of Amorite art, named after a group of semi-nomadic populations who lived in the north-western part of the Near East in the 3rd and 2nd millennium B.C. From the 20th century B.C., the incursions and armed pressure that the Amorites exerted on the kingdom of Ur overthrew the existing dynasties and created several kingdoms throughout Mesopotamia whose dynasties retained a strong attachment to their original culture.

Of rounded profile with painted design to inner face: quartered design of black, olive green and coral stripes on a cream field, one and a half lines of Kufic text across the centre; repaired. 384 grams, 16.5 cm wide



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s.