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Near Eastern Sumerian Rock Crystal Bull Amulet browse these categories for related items... Directory: Antiques:Regional Art:Ancient World:Near Eastern:Stone: Pre AD 1000: Item # 752891
Apolonia Ancient Art 290 Fillmore St. #D Denver, CO. 80206 303-321-7351 gallery Guest Book $2675.00 |
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| This piece is a carved rock crystal amulet that is in the form of a recumbent bull. This rare piece is Sumerian, and dates circa 3500-3200 B.C. This piece is approximately 1.1 inches long and .5 inches wide, and is very large for a rock crystal amulet of this type. There is also a bow drilled hole that runs from the top center to the bottom of the piece, and this was used to attach this piece to a necklace. These necklaces included additional animal amulets/seals, and other known types of these amulets and seals were made from red chalcedony, lapis lazuli, agate, and onyx. The rock crystal types are the rarest, as this hard stone was difficult to carve and had to be imported into the region (lower Mesopotamia). The Sumerian culture was one of the earliest cultures that used amulets and cylinder seals for commercial and religious reasons. This piece was produced during a period when urban culture was coming into existence, along with the formation of city-states, and the piece offered here marked the wearer with a social status, as amulets of this type were also thought to have been imbued with magical powers. Rock crystal pieces of this type are thought by many academics to represent wealth and power, and this may also explain the bull as a type. ( See "Art of the Ancient Near and Middle East" by Carel J. Du Ry, Abrams Pub., New York, 1969, pp. 32-48. In addition, see Sotheby's Antiquities, New York, "The Ada Small Moore Collection of Ancient Near Eastern Seals", Dec. 1991, no. 1-4 and 28. On page 14 the Reverend Paul Moore, the grandson of Ada Small Moore, mentions an ancient cuneiform text that reads: "A seal of crystal portends that he shall enlarge profits; his name shall be good." ) The bull seen on this amulet is seen in the recumbent position with the legs folded underneath, and the head is turned to the right. This design of the bull is in a compact position, and this makes the drilled eyes even more expressive. The stone is also translucent, and this also gives this bull amulet an animated look. This piece is complete and is in superb condition, save a small fracture seen on the upper head. This piece comes with a custom stand and can easily be removed. Ex: Sotheby's Antiquities, New York, Dec. 1995, no. 155. Ex: Private New York collection. I certify that this piece is authentic as to date, culture, and condition: | ||
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