Sumerian Shell Bangle (No reserve price)






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Sumerian shell bangle, circa 3rd–2nd millennium BC, with a roughly shaped, domed form and a ridged, pitted surface, about 12 cm long and 11.1 cm wide, in good condition; provenance: private collection, acquired 2015.
Description from the seller
A large Sumerian bangle carved from a shell plate. The piece is roughly shaped and of uneven circumference. The surface is ridged and pitted, partly through wear and partly because the natural contours of the shell have not been smoothed away. The shell plate curves slightly inwards, creating an almost domed shape to the bangle. Minor scratches and pitting to the surface consistent with age.
Sumer is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The first civilisation in Sumer was that of the Ubaidians – they actively practised agriculture; developed trade; and established industries, including weaving, leatherwork, metalwork, masonry, and pottery. The Sumerians are notable for a number of reasons; they created the oldest known writing system, known as cuneiform, the wheel, early mathematics, law and literature, and were some of the first brewers of beer.
Measurements: (circa) L 12cm x W 11.1cm
Provenance: Ex Abelita family collection, acquired 1980-2015
Seller's Story
A large Sumerian bangle carved from a shell plate. The piece is roughly shaped and of uneven circumference. The surface is ridged and pitted, partly through wear and partly because the natural contours of the shell have not been smoothed away. The shell plate curves slightly inwards, creating an almost domed shape to the bangle. Minor scratches and pitting to the surface consistent with age.
Sumer is the site of the earliest known civilization, located in the southernmost part of Mesopotamia, between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. The first civilisation in Sumer was that of the Ubaidians – they actively practised agriculture; developed trade; and established industries, including weaving, leatherwork, metalwork, masonry, and pottery. The Sumerians are notable for a number of reasons; they created the oldest known writing system, known as cuneiform, the wheel, early mathematics, law and literature, and were some of the first brewers of beer.
Measurements: (circa) L 12cm x W 11.1cm
Provenance: Ex Abelita family collection, acquired 1980-2015
Seller's Story
Details
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The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
