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Reference # M1035

Title : Mesopotamian Cuneiform Tablet

Ca. 2400 BC - 1700 BC
Description: This finely detailed tablet is incribed on both sidesBelieved to be the earliest form of writing, cuneiform was first used around the end of the 4th millennium BC. The most common medium for cuneiform writing was clay "tablets." The wedge shaped letters were scratched into the surface of soft clay tablets with the end of a triangular reed or "stylus". The clay tablets were sometimes fired or left in the sun to dry. Most of these clay tablets were records of trade transactions, inventory, personnel records and other commercial communications. Cuneiform (Latin cuneus, "wedge"), the term used to describe the mode of writing utilizing wedge-shaped strokes, inscribed mainly on clay but also on stone, metals, wax and on other materials. This technique was used by the ancient people of Western Asia. The earliest text in the Cuneiform script was made in about 3000 BC, having antedated the use of alphabets by some 1500 years. The prime motivation was of an economic nature, the desire to administer economical and international trade transactions, but was also used to record religious fables and dedications.
Condition : Minor chipping, else perfect
Dimension : Height: 1.5 inches Width: 1.25 inches
Selling Price : Sold

Reference # M1034

Title : Cyprus Board Idol Goddess

Ca. 2100 BC - 2000 BC
Description: Polished and unusually high fired terracotta decorated with applied breasts. Rectangular torso and head, simple pierced eyes and ears. Simple, but rare form of Mother Goddess. For Reference see Von Kuste Zu Kuste, back idol section.
Condition : Perfect, save some minor chipping
Dimension : Height: 5.0 inches
Selling Price : Sold

Reference # M1029

Title : "Mother Goddess" Idol ~ Tell Halaf

Ca. 5500 BC - 4300 BC
Description: Here we have a 6000+ year old Syrian "Mother Goddess" figure of the Tell Halaf type. The steatopygous female, composed of terracotta and decorated with natural pigments; exaggerated female characteristics suggesting the object served a religious purpose, possibly that of the earliest form of "Mother Goddess". She is seated with arms supporting swollen breasts, with heavy thighs, both attributes suggesting a mother aspect; remains of painted details indicate large eyes, arm and leg jewelries and/or tattooing. Probably the antecedent of the ancient mother goddess Astarte (a.k.a. Ashtarut, Ashtoreth, Ishtar, et al), the Tell Halaf goddess likely represents not only the earliest depiction of the Mother Goddess, but also some of the earliest anthropomorphic figural art from the "cradle of man." This is a nice example with remains of original paint. Choice!
Condition : Perfect
Dimension : Height: 2.0 inches
Selling Price : Sold

Reference # M1022

Title : Rare Middle Asyrian Carved Bone Inlay

Ca. 2200 BC - 1200 BC
Description: Very rare, highly detailed bust of a lion carved in bone. Three dimensionally carved with outstanding details. Likely an altar inlay, these carved bone pieces are exceedingly rare. Carved from mammal bone. Come displayed in a glass topped Riker case.
Condition : Minor surface chipping, no repairs
Dimension : Height: 3.0 cm.
Selling Price : $225.00     Order

Reference # M1023

Title : Rare Middle Asyrian Carved Bone Slip

Ca. 2200 BC - 1200 BC
Description: Very rare, carved in bone image of a lion. This piece has a hole that goes completely through the piece so two strings could be pulled through it and this used to tighten the two as a slip for a garment. These carved bone pieces are exceedingly rare. Carved from mammal bone. Come displayed in a glass topped Riker case.
Condition : Minor surface chipping, no repairs
Dimension : Height: 2.5 cm.
Selling Price : $125.00     Order

Reference # M1025

Title : Rare Pakistani India / Gupta  Carved Bone Inlay of a Man

Ca. 320 AD - 600 AD
Description: Very rare, carved in bone image of a man. This piece is Gupta and exceedingly rare, likely used as an altar inlay These carved bone pieces are exceedingly rare. Carved from mammal bone. Come displayed in a glass topped Riker case.

Condition : Minor surface chipping, no repairs
Dimension : Height: 3.0 cm.
Selling Price : $255.00     Order

Reference # M1026

Title : Rare Pakistani India / Gupta  Carved Bone Inlay of a Man

Ca. 320 AD - 600 AD
Description: Very rare, carved in bone image of a man, possibly the head of Buddha. This piece is Gupta and exceedingly rare, likely used as an altar inlay These carved bone pieces are exceedingly rare. Carved from mammal bone. Come displayed in a glass topped Riker case.

Condition : Minor surface chipping, no repairs
Dimension : Height: 3.3 cm.
Selling Price : $255.00     Order