Eastern Europe/ Western Asia, Byzantine, ca. 500 to 700 CE. A wonderful relief plaque hand-carved from the bone of an ungulate to display the visage of a woman, perhaps a goddess, crowned with a bifurcated, twisted pattern atop a wavy coiffure. The ancient female presents elongated eyes beneath an arched brow, a triangular nose, petite lips, full cheeks, and a rounded chin, all supported by a broad neck. This plaque likely served as a decorative inlay on a piece of furniture or a weapon. Size: 2.2" W x 1.6" H (5.6 cm x 4.1 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey, USA collection

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#173077

Possibly a fragment of a larger piece. Losses to peripheries, especially near bottom and to lower right corner, and chipping to nose. Some abrasions and softening of finer details, as well as flaking to surface. Otherwise, nicely preserved with rich patina.