Mesopotamian Marble Eye Idol - 16.3 cm
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Current bid
€ 220
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 500 - € 650
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Eye Idol, a Mesopotamian marble sculpture dating to the Uruk period (about 3700–3500 BC), 16.3 cm high and 4.1 cm wide, in good condition, originally from a Belgian private collection and acquired in 2015.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Idol with eyes (or eye-glass idol), a type of ancient artifact originating mainly from Tell Brak, in Mesopotamia.
Dated about 3700 to 3500 BC (early Uruk period) - or later and style
Material: marble.
Dimensions: 16.3 cm in height.
It is distinguished by its abstract, prominent eyes and its body engraved with geometric motifs, such as chevrons.
These figurines were probably deposited as votive offerings in temples. The ancient Mesopotamians considered the eyes the most important feature of the body, representing the soul and continued devotion to the deities. Thousands of specimens of various sizes and styles have been discovered during archaeological excavations.
Private Belgian collection
Postal shipping with tracking number
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL tests, analysis of metals (XRF tests), lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Idol with eyes (or eye-glass idol), a type of ancient artifact originating mainly from Tell Brak, in Mesopotamia.
Dated about 3700 to 3500 BC (early Uruk period) - or later and style
Material: marble.
Dimensions: 16.3 cm in height.
It is distinguished by its abstract, prominent eyes and its body engraved with geometric motifs, such as chevrons.
These figurines were probably deposited as votive offerings in temples. The ancient Mesopotamians considered the eyes the most important feature of the body, representing the soul and continued devotion to the deities. Thousands of specimens of various sizes and styles have been discovered during archaeological excavations.
Private Belgian collection
Postal shipping with tracking number
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller. No further tests, such as TL tests, analysis of metals (XRF tests), lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Culture
Mesopotamian
Century/timeframe
3700/3500 avant JC (or later and style)
Name of object
Eye Idol
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2015
Material
Marble
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
16.3 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1960
Width
4.1 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
2 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
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.
