Western Asiatic Terracotta Animal with Saddle

A bulla with oval stamped impression of two animals. 147 grams, 60 mm



Specialised collection of cuneiform texts, the property of a London gentleman and housed in London before 1988. Thence by descent to family members. Examined by Professor Wilfrid George Lambert FBA (1926-2011), historian, archaeologist, and specialist in Assyriology and Near Eastern archaeology, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The collection is exceptional for the variety of types, including some very rare and well preserved examples. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue page.

Small globular and hollowed clay balls are defined as 'bulla'. They are also known as ‘bulla-envelopes', some of which are plain and some displaying epigraphic, zoomorphic and/or figural decoration, impressed by either cylinder or stamp seals. Bulla first emerged in Mesopotamia and their earliest occurrence can be traced to circa 8000 B.C. Most know decorated bullae come from the Uruk area and offer an insight into its culture. This bulla represents a religious scene, indicated by the combination of the pyramid-shaped byre and the 'sacred herd', which are seen on the early Uruk seals. The symbol of the Mother-Goddess, presented in conjunction with the representations of sheep herd and byre, gave such imagery symbolic significance. The impression with two sheep depicted under the byre, might have been impressed by a stamp seal of the early Uruk period.

Slender columnar body with bulbous head, right arm extended with spike or dagger in the hand, left arm bent with hand on hip. 17.6 grams, 73 mm



Previously the property of an Islington, London, UK, dealer. From a London, UK, private collector since circa 1990.

With incuse frieze depicting a leaping bull between tendrils, wave pattern to borders, set into a later silver casing with pendant loop. 19.79 grams, 43 mm



Acquired on the USA art market. Private collection, England.