Western Asiatic Ring with Cabochon

Including a turned bone finger ring, carved bone doll's head, glass dangle with 'OCXO' legend on the underside and other items. 25.1 grams total, 12-52 mm



From the collection of a gentleman, acquired on the London art market in the 1990s.

Carved in the round with flared base, addorsed faces of the demon with suspension lug above. 50.24 grams, 44 mm



UK private collection before 2000. Acquired on the UK art market. Private collection, London, UK.

The figure described as the 'King of Wind Demons' is commonly identified with Pazuzu, a well-known demon in Assyrian and Babylonian tradition. Despite his fearsome appearance, often shown with a canine face, bulging eyes, a scaly body, and wings, Pazuzu was not simply a malevolent force. He was understood as the ruler of the winds, particularly the hot, destructive winds from the desert, but was also invoked for protection. Most notably, Pazuzu was believed to ward off the demon Lamashtu, who threatened pregnant women and infants. Small amulets and pendants bearing his image were therefore worn or placed in domestic spaces as protective devices. Objects such as this pendant belong to that world of everyday belief, where the boundary between danger and protection was fluid, and where even a demon could serve an apotropaic role.

Comprising ten tanged arrowheads, most with barbed shoulders. 103 grams total, 58-88 mm



London, UK, collection, 1990s.

The majority of the arrowheads belong to type IV of the Khorasani classification. They look like a stylised flying bird, such as a swallow.