Ancient Anatolian Stone Figure Juvenile Antelope

Ancient Near East, Anatolia, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A fascinating hand-carved figure of a juvenile antelope or similar ungulate, displayed standing on an integrated, flat, rectangular base. It is made from a pale limestone, although time and deposition has darkened its surface. The animal stands on tall, thin legs, with a thin body dominated by large haunches and an oversized head with even more oversized eyes - in fact, the incised eyes take up the majority of the face! Two pointed horns and small ears rise from the animal's head. The huge eyes may be an indication of attentiveness to the gods, as they are in anthropomorphic idols from ancient Anatolia. This figure is likely votive, carved to be used for worship - perhaps meant to be placed into a temple, altar, or burial to simulate a real animal as an offering. The antelope was a sacred symbol of virility throughout the ancient Near East. Size: 5.85" W x 5.95" H (14.9 cm x 15.1 cm)

Provenance: private Dere Family Collection, acquired pre-1980.

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#127678
Condition Report: Wear on surface commensurate with age. Encrustation and staining on surface.