Rare Sumerian Alabaster Bull Amulet

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumerian, Late Uruk to Jemdet Nasr period, ca. 3300 to 2900 BCE. A lovely alabaster amulet, hand-carved in the form of a recumbent bull with legs folded beneath its hefty body, all naturally adorned in warm hues of peach, light pink, beige, and white. Head raised, the ancient animal faces forward displaying a rounded snout with a straight mouth, delineated nostrils, and drilled eyes, all surmounted by a pair of slightly curved horns beside petaloid ears. The slender tail protrudes from the posterior and wraps around the body, while an annular suspension hole pierces the slender midsection. Size (amulet): 1.3" L x 0.5" W x 0.6" H (3.3 cm x 1.3 cm x 1.5 cm); (case): 1.8" W (4.6 cm)

Provenance: ex-John B. Kendrick II collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired 1965 to 1990; John B. Kendrick II was that son of John B. Kendrick, former Wyoming Governor and US Senator in 1930s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#172611
Condition Report: Repaired with break line and some adhesive visible. Some nicks, abrasions, and softening of detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with great earthen deposits in recessed areas. Accompanied by modern plastic case.