Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumer, ca. 2700 to 2000 BCE. A beautiful and petite example of a hand-carved lapis lazuli bull pendant exhibiting mottled blue, cream, and honey yellow hues. The flat-form piece presents the bovine creature laying recumbent with all four legs tucked beneath its bulky body, its tail draped seamlessly atop its haunches, and its majestic head raised to present its bulging eyes, perky ears, and grand beard. The Sumerians believed strongly in magic, and the magical powers of amulets, created to be deterrents against the Evil Eye. The oldest of these amulets are carved from stone and depict zoomorphic creatures like this example. The bull was a symbol of fertility and virility. A pair of biconically drilled suspension holes through the back and belly suggest this bull was worn as a necklace pendant at one time. Size: 1.08" W x 0.81" H (2.7 cm x 2.1 cm); 2" H (5.1 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010
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#153352
Condition
Small chip to obverse of proper left horn. Minor abrasions and softening to some finer details. Great surface smoothness throughout, and great stone coloration still visible.