Neo-Assyrian, 8th-7th century BC. A carved hardstone rectangular amuletic plaque with pierced suspension lug above; to one face, a cuneiform text in three rows, to the reverse, a donkey-headed standing figure with one arm raised. 4.03 grams, 33mm (1 1/2"). From an important North London collection formed before 1980. In Mesopotamian mythology Lamashtu was a female demon, monster, malevolent goddess or demigoddess who menaced women during childbirth and, if possible, kidnapped children while they were breastfeeding. She would gnaw on their bones and suck their blood, as well as being charged with a number of other evil deeds. She was a daughter of the Sky God Anu. Lamashtu is depicted as a hybrid, with a hairy body, a lioness' head with donkey's teeth and ears, long fingers and fingernails, and the feet of a bird with sharp talons. She is often shown standing or kneeling on a donkey, nursing a pig and a dog, and holding snakes. She thus bears some functions and resemblance to the Mesopotamian demon Lilith. Amulets of this sort were worn by mothers to protect them and their babies.

Very fine condition.