Ancient Near Eastern Pink Agate Ram Head Amulet, 1st Millennium BC This rare ancient Near Eastern amulet, dating to the 1st millennium BC, is finely carved from translucent pink agate—a semi-precious stone valued for its warm hue and light-transmitting properties—into a stylized ram's head with curved horns, detailed ridges, and a pierced suspension hole for use as a pendant. The compact form and natural translucency create a subtle glow when held to light, enhancing its mystical appeal. Symbolism & Historical Significance: Ram Head Amulet: In ancient Near Eastern cultures (such as Mesopotamian or Persian), the ram symbolized fertility, strength, and divine protection, often associated with gods like Ea (Enki) or Amun-Ra in syncretic forms, representing virility, renewal, and guardianship against evil. Worn as pendants, these amulets served apotropaic functions, warding off harm and invoking prosperity—common in daily life, rituals, or burials to ensure safe passage or favor from deities. Carved in semi-precious stones like agate, such pieces reflected skilled lapidary work, blending practical jewelry with spiritual intent in a region where animal motifs conveyed cosmic and earthly powers. Connection to Ancient Near East: Amulets of this type were prevalent in Mesopotamia and surrounding areas, from Assyrian to Achaemenid periods, often excavated from sites like Ur or Persepolis. The ram head motif influenced later Greco-Roman designs (e.g., Zeus-Ammon), highlighting cultural exchanges along trade routes. Condition: Intact with natural surface deposits and minor encrustation from burial, preserving the fine carving details; the agate's translucency remains vivid, with light enhancing the stone's soft pink tones. Dimensions: Length: 21.9 mm Width: 11.3 mm Weight: 3.43 g Provenance: Previously part of a private European collection, established in the 1980s. A provenance document and declaration of legal origin are available in PDF format upon request. Note: Please examine the provided images for a detailed impression of the amulet. The photos are highly magnified to showcase the details the best way possible; otherwise, the piece is even more beautiful and attractive in person.