Ancient Near East, Syria, ca. late 3rd to early 2nd millennium BCE. An intriguing idol of abstract form, hand-built from pottery, with a columnar body and a slightly flared base. The slender figure holds both bent arms and incised hands to the chest, perhaps atop female breasts, and the broad shoulders are centered by a twisted cord necklace. Resting above the gently corseted neck is a highly stylized countenance bearing an enormous triangular nose, a pair of incised concentric circle eyes, and a broad forehead flanked by fragments of the coiffure. Size: 2.875" W x 6.2" H (7.3 cm x 15.7 cm); 8.25" H (21 cm) on included custom stand.

Cf. "Idols: The Beginning of Abstract Form." Ariadne Galleries, Inc., New York, 1989, pp. 89-90, figs. 74-76

Please note: items from Syria are not eligible for international shipping due to the US embargo on Syria.

Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, acquired from 1970 to 2000

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#172244

Repaired with restoration, with resurfacing and overpainting along new material and break lines. Restoration to nose. Losses to areas of feet, right shoulder, and coiffure. Abrasions and encrustations, with softening to some finer details. Old inventory number handwritten on verso of base of figure. Old inventory label on verso of display stand.