Sumerian Chlorite Bull & Egyptian Steatite Head

Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumeria, ca. 2500 to 2200 BCE. A lovely black chlorite bull amulet, larger than most of this type, pierced through its back for suspension and featuring a powerful head with large horns. Incised lines give the impression of the animal's limbs, which are curled up against its body as it is portrayed in a seated position. The Sumerians believed strongly in magic, and the magical powers of amulets, created to be deterrents against the Evil Eye. The oldest of these amulets are stone animal form ones like these. The bull was a symbol of fertility and virility. Also, Ancient Egypt, New Kingdom, ca. 1550 to 1070 BCE. A handsome black steatite head of a scribe, carved with simple facial features and a bowl cut that would make a Beatle (John, Paul, Ringo, or George) jealous. This head may be from a shabti, as steatite heads of similar size are (for example one sold at Bonhams, London, on April 13, 2011 (Lot 10) for the equivalent of USD $259,145). Size of largest (bull): 2.3" W x 1.6" H (5.8 cm x 4.1 cm)

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection, acquired in 2019; ex-Medusa Ancient Art, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; ex-Millea Bros., Ltd. Auction (November 23, 2019, lot 3249); ex-Elizabeth Stafford estate collection, New York, New York, USA; ex-Heidi Volmueller collection, Switzerland, acquired in the 1960s

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#152778
Condition Report: Bull is in nice condition with light wear commensurate with age and rich deposits. The head is a fragment from a larger piece but is itself in very nice condition with wear commensurate with age, including some smoothing to features but form and most details still in good condition.