Ancient Near East, modern day Turkey / Syria, Archaic period, ca. 3rd millennium BCE; Iron Age II to III, 10th to 6th century BCE. A fabulous ensemble of five stone seal beads from the Ancient Near East. Handmade from pale sienna-hued terracotta, the first is an ancient bread stamp of a flower from the 3rd millennium BCE presenting a bulbous handle with a horizontal aperture for suspension. Also from the 3rd millennium BCE, the next three stamps are from ancient Syria and carved from black serpentine stone. All three showcase circular faces incised with two quadrupeds facing right and knob-like handles with horizontal drill holes for suspension. Boasting a lustrous shade of light grey, the last stamp is from Iron Age II to III and exhibits a hemispherical form and an ovoid face carved with a standing figure in a robe facing forward. Size of largest: 1.125" W x 1.25" H (2.9 cm x 3.2 cm)

Provenance: private Zaveloff collection, Lakewood, New Jersey, USA, acquired from Venus Gallery, Israel, in 2002

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#157645

Terracotta bead has collection label on side and is missing the tips of three petals. All have expected surface wear with some miniscule abrasions and light softening of details commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with lovely earthen deposits in recessed areas.