Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Neo-Assyrian, ca. 8th to 7th century BCE. A mold-cast bronze pendant depicting the head of Pazuzu, an Assyrian demon who is king of the wind demons. The grinning face bears ovoid eyes, a petite nose, perky ears, and a protruding mandible, all beneath an integral suspension loop. The head rests upon a columnar base with a flared foot, and layers of green and brown patina envelop the composition. Size: 0.55" W x 0.9" H (1.4 cm x 2.3 cm)

Pazuzu is often considered as an evil underworld demon, but also seems to have been a beneficial protector against pestilential winds. Pazuzu is also closely associated with the demon Lamashtu which caused miscarriage and cot death, acting as an antidote to her evil effects.

For another example, please see The Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 1993.181

Provenance: ex-Phoenicia Holyland Antiquities, New York, New York, USA; ex-The Sumer Collection, Henry Anavian, March 12, 2007

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#155767

Minor abrasions and softening to some finer details, otherwise intact and very good. Nice patina throughout.