2022.236: Small Horned Head

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