Central Asia, Bactria, ca. 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. A smooth, rounded piece of dark brown marble with deep red streaks throughout. It has a flat base, an egg-like body, and twin holes drilled opposite each other at an angle through the top. The holes meet in the middle of the interior in a narrow opening (you are able to touch two fingers together if one is in each drill hole). The precise meaning and use of objects like this one are unknown, but it is assumed they were ritual, or possibly used as weights. Size: 6.6" W x 8.7" H (16.8 cm x 22.1 cm)
The same class of object but with different form sold at Christie's London (25 October 2006, Lot 22) for GBP 4800 (ca. USD 9000).
Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, USA; ex-East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#139770
Condition
Upper portion has been repaired, with one large piece fitted back onto the idol. Repair is well done and unobtrusive. Scratches and wear commensurate with age. Nice preservation of form.