Western Asiatic Stone Macehead

Discoid stamp seal with segmented face; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Stamp Seal of Bronze. 51x51x16 mm. This is round with zig-zag outer edge, flat face and flat back in the centre of which is a loop handle on inverted U-shape. the design, which is both compartmented and open-work, consists of a quadrate cross within an outer band which as loops on its inner side, and the zig-zag on its outer side. This comes from west central Asia and dates to c.2300-2000 B.C. It is covered with incrustation, which could be removed. The metal appears to be in good condition.' 68.2 grams, 52 mm



Acquired in the late 1980s-early 1990s. Ex property of a West London businessman. Academically researched and catalogued by the late Professor Lambert in the early 1990s.

A rectangular brick-shaped tablet, inscribed in cuneiform script across three vertical faces, with a single column to the fourth and a continuation of text across the top surface; the inscription a funerary curse relating to the tomb of Adad-šumu-lešir, warning against interference with the burial, reading in part: 'As for a stranger, or somebody who would approach that tomb, or would bring up a corpse out of it and bury his own within, or would touch the silver inside - Adad, Šamaš, or Nergal will fill his house and field with shortage, collapse, and murder. He will repay the property of that tomb sevenfold, dedicating it to Šuriha. For the offspring of Adad-šumu-lešir he shall be undone for taking out and bringing down objects in the tomb, and for burying another body within it. Month Kalmartu, third day, eponymy of Aššur-mušezib.' 333 grams, 14.3 cm



Acquired in 1996. Private collection, Switzerland, thence by descent. Private collection, since the late 1990s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by a search certificate number no.12872-241667.

Funerary inscriptions of this type are extremely rare survivals, serving both as legal texts and spiritual safeguards, invoking the major deities Adad, Šamaš, and Nergal to enforce the curse.

A cornerless cube decorated to diamond-shaped faces with punched dots to the edge; triangular faces with star motif; usage wear. 46.5 grams, 24 mm



Acquired on the German art market, before 1980. Private collection, England.