Rome, Imperial Period, ca. 1st to 4th century. A wonderful ensemble of 4 anthropomorphic figures, all hand-carved from the bone of an ungulate and depicted in varying poses. The first 2 figures are shown standing, each with right leg crossed over left, while left arm bends at the elbow to rest over the waist and right hand is held up to the top of the head. Conversely, the remaining pair of figures are seated. Each of the 4 petite figures is dressed in a skirt and headdress and displays a minimalist visage with sunken eyes, a triangular nose, and a jutting chin. A small perforation at the bottom of each is fit with a slender metal tube that previously served to attach them to an altar in a home or given as offerings at temples. Size: 0.375" W x 1.4" H (1 cm x 3.6 cm)
Provenance: private New York, USA collection, acquired 1990s; ex-Robert Horbacz estate, New York, USA
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#165736
Condition
One cross-legged figure missing right arm. One seated figure is missing legs. All have expected surface wear as shown. Otherwise, very nice with great patina.