SYRO-HITTITE TERRACOTTA BIRD IDOL

Ca. 2nd millennium BC. A terracotta idol with a tall columnar body, flaring foot, and arms bent outward at the elbows, with the hands held against the chest. The head is modelled with bird-like features, including a prominent nose, large circular eyes, and a narrow mouth. Applied pellets frame the crown of the head as hair or ornaments. A thick ribbed collar encircles the chest. For similar see: The Brooklyn Museum, inv. 51.117. Size: 160mm x 75mm; Weight: 155g Provenance: Private collection, UK; acquired in Belgium; prior ownership in a Paris private collection dating from the 1970s.