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Identification and Creation

Object Number
2022.236
Title
Small Horned Head
Classification
Amulets
Work Type
amulet
Date
c. 2500 BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia, Mesopotamia
Period
Early Dynastic period
Culture
Mesopotamian
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/369974

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Shell
Technique
Carved
Dimensions
1.7 × 1.6 × 1.1 cm (11/16 × 5/8 × 7/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History
[Charles D. Kelekian, New York (by 1952-1982)], by descent; to [Kelekian Associates, New York (1982-1992)], by descent; to Nanette Rodney Kelekian, New York (1992-2021), bequest; to the Harvard Art Museums.

NOTE:
"Kelekian Associates" was formed at the death of Charles D. Kelekian by Nanette Rodney Kelekian and her mother Beatrice Kelekian. Upon Beatrice Kelekian’s death in 1992, ownership passed to Nanette Rodney Kelekian.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian
Accession Year
2022
Object Number
2022.236
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Two large eyes, hollow to receive inlays, dominate the face of this small, formerly horned head with cattle ears. A prominent nose sits above a diminutive mouth and chin. The incised line of the eyebrows continues to the sides of the head, indicating curls of hair. Both horns and the back of the head have broken off. Vertically pierced (diameter of the drill hole: 0.2 cm), this head of a divine being could have been worn as an amulet.

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu