A delicate Near Eastern-Western Asiatic amuletic bead in the shape of a reclining animal, possibly a lion, pierced longitudinally for suspension. The amulet is carved from carnelian, darker in the head of the animal and paler towards the opposite end of the body. One side of the body features some dark speckled dots. Near Eastern civilizations used jewels not only for the leaving but also for the deceased. Not by chance, many jewels have been found in burials. On top of gold, stones such as carnelian, turquoise or rock crystal were used for jewellery. In particular, the latter was appreciated for its delicate transparency, and was prevalent throughout ancient Persia and Bactria. As such it was also involved for other objects like vessels, handles, inlays or similar tools. Measurements: Length~1.5cm, Width~0.6cm, Height~1.2cm Provenance: Private collection, UK 1990s