Western Asiatic Steatite Anthropomorphic Amulet (No reserve price)






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Anthropomorphic Amulet, Western Asiatic, made of steatite, a male bust from circa 1st Millennium BC in good condition; measured 2.6 cm long by 1.1 cm wide; provenance Ex S.M. Collection, London, formerly from private collection, acquired in the 1970s–1990s, acquired by the seller in 2000.
Description from the seller
A Western Asiatic amulet in the shape of a male bust made out of steatite. The figure's facial features are heavily stylised with prominently carved eyes, a wide nose and lips, and a heavy brow. The hair texture is represented through evenly spaced grooves ending at the nape of the neck. There is a loop on the figure's head for suspension. Signs of wear as consistent with the age such as scratching to the surface. The figure seems to have been broken at the torso.
Jewellery is thought to be one of the oldest forms of art within history, with the presence of rings, bangles and necklaces’ being present in almost all ancient societies. Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of Western Asia in antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity are demonstrated through their sophisticated jewellery making. Precious and semi-precious stones, such as agate, lapis lazuli, and carnelian, were also widely used as well as glass, coral, stones and metal.
Measurements: L2.6cm X W 1.1cm
Provenance: Ex S.M. Collection, London, Mayfair, acquired 1970s-90s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
A Western Asiatic amulet in the shape of a male bust made out of steatite. The figure's facial features are heavily stylised with prominently carved eyes, a wide nose and lips, and a heavy brow. The hair texture is represented through evenly spaced grooves ending at the nape of the neck. There is a loop on the figure's head for suspension. Signs of wear as consistent with the age such as scratching to the surface. The figure seems to have been broken at the torso.
Jewellery is thought to be one of the oldest forms of art within history, with the presence of rings, bangles and necklaces’ being present in almost all ancient societies. Many grand civilisations inhabited the area of Western Asia in antiquity, and their wealth and prosperity are demonstrated through their sophisticated jewellery making. Precious and semi-precious stones, such as agate, lapis lazuli, and carnelian, were also widely used as well as glass, coral, stones and metal.
Measurements: L2.6cm X W 1.1cm
Provenance: Ex S.M. Collection, London, Mayfair, acquired 1970s-90s.
N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**
Seller's Story
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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.
