Ancient Near East, Tel Brak, modern day Syria, Middle Uruk Period, ca. 3700 to 3500 BCE. An intriguing, abstract terracotta figure with a broad, annular base, a conical body and an equally sized, flaring pair of round, open discs that act as the entirety of the face and are meant to symbolize eyes. These idols were used for dedication to an all-seeing god who watched over the populations of early Mesopotamia. They have been excavated from a building we call the Eye Temple; many possess multiple sets of eyes and others have "children" - smaller eyes and body carved on the body of the larger idol. Wide eyes meant attentiveness to the gods in Mesopotamian art. Most of these figures were made of stone, with pottery items like this one being much rarer. Size: 4" in diameter x 4.75" H (10.2 cm x 12.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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#162563

A few small chips to top loop. Expected nicks and abrasions, commensurate with age. A few indentations/apertures at center of piece. Otherwise, intact and excellent with rich earthen deposits throughout.