Neo Assyrian pazuzu bone Amulet
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 900 - € 1,100
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Description from the seller
Due to its miniature size, this Pazuzu amulet was undoubtedly intended for newborn infants, serving to protect them from Lamashtu—a demoness feared for harming mothers and stealing children during childbirth. According to ancient Assyrian belief, Lamashtu was terrified of Pazuzu, making these amulets a common safeguard worn around infants' necks to ward off evil. Furthermore, amulets of this type carved from bone are exceptionally rare and valuable.
In Assyrian mythology, Pazuzu—the king of demons of the wind—was depicted with a human body and the head of a lion or dog. He was invoked through amulets to counteract the malevolent influence of his rival, Lamashtu. While smaller examples like this were worn as necklace pendants, larger figures were placed above doorways to protect the entire household.
Condition & Dating:
This piece is in very good condition and dates to the Neo-Assyrian period, circa 900–650 BC.
Provenance:
Formerly in the private collection of an enthusiast who assembled a significant selection of Pazuzu amulets over several decades. Acquired in 1995 from another collector, who originally purchased it prior to 1985. The seller guarantees legal acquisition of the lot; provenance documentation has been reviewed by Catawiki. The seller will handle any necessary export permits.
Due to its miniature size, this Pazuzu amulet was undoubtedly intended for newborn infants, serving to protect them from Lamashtu—a demoness feared for harming mothers and stealing children during childbirth. According to ancient Assyrian belief, Lamashtu was terrified of Pazuzu, making these amulets a common safeguard worn around infants' necks to ward off evil. Furthermore, amulets of this type carved from bone are exceptionally rare and valuable.
In Assyrian mythology, Pazuzu—the king of demons of the wind—was depicted with a human body and the head of a lion or dog. He was invoked through amulets to counteract the malevolent influence of his rival, Lamashtu. While smaller examples like this were worn as necklace pendants, larger figures were placed above doorways to protect the entire household.
Condition & Dating:
This piece is in very good condition and dates to the Neo-Assyrian period, circa 900–650 BC.
Provenance:
Formerly in the private collection of an enthusiast who assembled a significant selection of Pazuzu amulets over several decades. Acquired in 1995 from another collector, who originally purchased it prior to 1985. The seller guarantees legal acquisition of the lot; provenance documentation has been reviewed by Catawiki. The seller will handle any necessary export permits.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture
Neo Assyrian pazuzu
Metal
bone
Century/timeframe
(900-600) B.C.
Acquired from
Private collection
Total weight
0.71 g
Year acquired
1995
Condition
Good condition - used with some signs of wear
Country acquired from
United States
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1985
Previous owner - country acquired from
United States
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Width
18 mm
Length
5 mm
Sold by
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.
