Mesopotamian Pottery Relief Panel of Deity - Martu

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, ca. late 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. A mold-formed pottery plaque exhibiting a relief image of Martu (also Amurru in later times), the Mesopotamian god described as a shepherd, a storm god, or 'the lord of the mountain.' The plaque shows Martu in portrait with a masculine physique, a textured sash over one shoulder, and holding a shepherd's crook in one hand. Flanking him on either side are curving ibex heads with crescent-shaped horns sprouting up along the background. His face displays puffy, almond-shaped eyes, a wide nose, thin lips, and a lengthy beard with incised waves, all beneath a thick head wrap. Size: 3.5" W x 2.4" H (8.9 cm x 6.1 cm); 3.125" H (7.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: The Dere Family Collection, New York, USA, assembled 1970s-2000s, ex-William Froelich Collection, New York, USA, acquired in 1970s

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#143478
Condition Report: Small repair to top periphery with light resurfacing over break lines. Minor chips and abrasions to obverse, peripheries, and verso as shown, with light softening to some finer details, and light encrustations. Nice earthen deposits throughout.