Steatite Figure of a Crouching Animal

Culture: Mesopotamia

Period: Jemdet Nasr period, 3100-2900 B.C.

Material: Steatite

Dimensions: 2.3 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 6139

Provenance: From the prominent Swiss private collection Surena, Zurich, acquired before 1980. Thence American private collection.

Condition: A very minor chip on the left hind paw, otherwise intact.

Description: Figure of a crouching animal, probably a bear, worked out from black steatite with strong, pulled paws. At the back a long tail, almost reaching the bottom. On one side drilled holes and incised lines, where once were inlays. On top and at the bottom drills, which are not going through. This indicates that this votive figure was not worn as an amulet but dedicated to the gods. Of extraordinarily fine quality.