Western Asiatic Vessel with Birds

A copper-alloy penannular armband with shallow D-section hoop and terminals formed as stylised ram-heads each with exaggerated coiled horns, circular eyes set with cream-coloured beads and shallow semi-circular muzzles; transverse bands of geometric motifs along the neck. 620 grams, 10.4 cm wide



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11643-199677.

The bracelet is a product of the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex ('BMAC', also developed from the 'Oxus Civilization') which was the dominant culture in the 3rd and 2nd millennium (often dated to c. 2250–1700 B.C.) in that area, corresponding roughly to modern Tajikistan and Afghanistan. The members of the group practised animal husbandry and a limited form of agriculture, with wheeled carts from the 4th millennium B.C . Its craftsmen were proficient at working metals and alloys including bronze, copper, silver, and gold. Fortified sites with multiple walls are another notable development.

A small copper-alloy square-section stamp seal with suspension loop; incuse design to each face: standing winged figure; vegetation with sun-disc above; standing robed female with raised hand; stag; each face with pelletted border above an below; base with bust wearing a solar crown. 13.15 grams, 25.95 mm



Acquired 1969-1999. London collection of the late S.M., thence by descent.

A cylinder seal of black stone with rounded edges, incuse frieze depicting a standing female in slim dress, a tree with radiating fruit and leaves, second similar female extending an arm over a small figure with a spear, winged sun-disc (faravahar) above. 33.8 grams, 39 mm



From an important family collection. 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.