Mesopotamian Terracotta Plaque w/ Image of Martu

**Originally Listed At $400**

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, ca. late 3rd to 2nd millennium BCE. A fine 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 half 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: 3.375" W x 2.75" H (8.6 cm x 7 cm); 3.8" H (9.7 cm) on included custom stand.

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

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#135560
Condition Report: Old losses to lower periphery as shown. Minor nicks to periphery, figure, and verso, with softening to some finer details, and extensive encrustations, otherwise intact and very good. Nice earthen deposits throughout.