A Near Eastern spool-shaped, two-sided amulet made from a cream hardstone featuring a horned animal, possibly gazelles, to each side. Carved on one side is a leaping gazelle, whilst the gazelle on the other side is presented standing with its head bowed. A stylised stalk of vegetation is also depicted between the animal's legs possibly signifying that it is feeding. An arrow hovels in the upper background, perhaps indicating a hunt. The amulet is perforated through the middle for suspension. Animals occupied a prominent place in ancient art across a number of civilisations and across a variety of media, including painting, pottery, and jewellery. Some animals were venerated, whilst others were sacrificed. Their depiction is thus endowed with significance in several contexts: in religious rituals, as mythical creatures, and as incarnations or symbols of gods and goddesses. Seal amulets with stylised animals or fantasised zoomorphic figural have been found throughout Mesopotamia in contexts dating to the late fourth millennium BC, although stamp seals and cylinder seals are predominant types in the ancient Near East. Measurements: W 2.7 cm x H 1cm Provenance: From SM London collection, by descent, 1970-99