A Mesopotamian shell amulet of a
159
An Ancient Near Eastern shell ornament in the form of a bull
Circa 2500 B.C.
Shown recumbent with frontal facing head and vestigial horns, concentric circles for the eyes and three further concentric circles decorating the body, pierced vertically through the top of the back, 2 3/8in (6cm) long, 2in (5cm) high, mounted
Sold for £720 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • Provenance:
    Lady Gloria Dale Collection, acquired in the Middle East from 1968-1973.

    Literature:
    For the type cf. Michel Fortin, Syria Land of Civilizations, Québec, 1999, p.189, no.145, where it notes that shell was always used for non-utilitarian goods and reflected the wearer's social status.

Category: Antiquities

Auction terms and conditions

Contacts

Madeleine Perridge Bonhams
Work
101 New Bond Street
London, W1S 1SR
United Kingdom
Work +44 20 7468 8226
FaxFax: +44 20 7468 8283
Specialist - Antiquities