Sumerian Stone Head Amulet
02
days
18
hours
04
minutes
08
seconds
Current bid
€ 240
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 450 - € 550
13 other people are watching this object
 Bidder 4034 | €240 | |
|---|---|---|
| Bidder 4034 | €220 | |
| Bidder 4034 | €200 | |
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A Sumerian cream stone head amulet dating to circa 3200–2900 BC, measuring 2.2 cm by 2.0 cm, with almond-shaped eyes, straight nose and mouth, a vertical perforation through the centre, late Uruk/Jemdet Nasr period, previously in private collection and acquired from Ex SM collection London, in very good condition.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
A Sumerian cream stone head with finely carved almond-shaped eyes, straight nose and mouth. The sunken eye probably would have held insets of precious or semi-precious stone. There are tongue patterns engraved to the top of the head and sides, indicating hair. The head is pierced vertically through the centre. The reverse is flat and unadorned.
Late Uruk/Jemdet Nasr Period. Such amulets have also been described as depicting a demon, thus they were most likely apotropaic.
Measurements: L 2.2cm x W 2.0cm
Provenance: Ex SM collection London, acquired 1970s-2000s.
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
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
A Sumerian cream stone head with finely carved almond-shaped eyes, straight nose and mouth. The sunken eye probably would have held insets of precious or semi-precious stone. There are tongue patterns engraved to the top of the head and sides, indicating hair. The head is pierced vertically through the centre. The reverse is flat and unadorned.
Late Uruk/Jemdet Nasr Period. Such amulets have also been described as depicting a demon, thus they were most likely apotropaic.
Measurements: L 2.2cm x W 2.0cm
Provenance: Ex SM collection London, acquired 1970s-2000s.
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
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Sumerian
Century/ Timeframe
Circa 3200 - 2900 BC
Name of object
Head Amulet
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2000
Material
Stone
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1970
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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.
