Old Babylonian Banded Agate Duck Weight Amulet






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Old Babylonian Duck Weight Amulet, carved from banded agate and dating to circa 1900–1600 BC, depicting a sleeping duck with a flattened, unworked base and pierced for suspension; in Good condition and authentic (Original/official), ex SM collection London, from a private collection.
Description from the seller
A Mesopotamian trade weight, carved from beautiful banded agate and dating to the Old Babylonian period. The weight has been modelled in the stylised shape of a duck, portrayed sleeping with its head tucked towards its body. The base appears flattened and unworked. The surface is smooth, with only minor scratches and wear. The piece is pierced for suspension.
Known as the ‘sleeping duck’, this shape is amongst the most popular for Near Eastern weights. It was commonly used in Mesopotamia during the Early Babylonian period as a weight system and was introduced into Anatolia by an Assyrian merchant. A great number of duck weights have been found throughout the Near East and in Anatolian sites.
Measurements (Circa): L 1.4cm x W 1cm
Provenance: Ex SM collection London, acquired 1970s-2000s.
Seller's Story
A Mesopotamian trade weight, carved from beautiful banded agate and dating to the Old Babylonian period. The weight has been modelled in the stylised shape of a duck, portrayed sleeping with its head tucked towards its body. The base appears flattened and unworked. The surface is smooth, with only minor scratches and wear. The piece is pierced for suspension.
Known as the ‘sleeping duck’, this shape is amongst the most popular for Near Eastern weights. It was commonly used in Mesopotamia during the Early Babylonian period as a weight system and was introduced into Anatolia by an Assyrian merchant. A great number of duck weights have been found throughout the Near East and in Anatolian sites.
Measurements (Circa): L 1.4cm x W 1cm
Provenance: Ex SM collection London, acquired 1970s-2000s.
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.
