Sumerian Grindstone of Red Marble with a Deer’s Head

Culture: Sumerian

Period: Jemdet Nasr period, 3000-2800 B.C.

Material: Red marble

Dimensions: 9.9 cm long

Price: Sold

Ref: 6641

Provenance: French private collection Nicole and Jean-Michel Thierry, acquired in March 1955 from Koutoulakis in Paris. Thence in a family estate. With a copy of the collection note.

Condition: A minor ancient missing part on the blade, otherwise very beautifully preserved.

Description: Important red marble grindstone worked out in very high-quality, which originates from Mari and dates to the pre-dynasty Jemdet Nasr period. The flat, polished stone with a pointed blade tapers in width and becomes higher towards the handle. The end of the handle is zoomorphically worked out and depicts the head of a young deer with flat ears and deeply engraved eyes, which probably once had gemstones. A perforation at the back of the animal’s head served for suspension, so the grindstone could be carried on a belt or as an amulet. See for the type the grindstone from Mari in the same form and material, but without an animal’s head in the Louvre with the inventory number E 1323. Mounted.