Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A pottery maskette depicting the grotesque features of the god of Pazuzu (Fazuzu or Pazuza) from Assyrian and Babylonian mythology. Enormous eyes, animal-like ears, flaring nostrils, and a fur-like incised texture give the creature an animalistic appearance. Pazuzu was the king of the demons of the wind, and represented the southwestern wind, the bearer of storms, drought, famine, and locusts. This example was likely made to be held near or worn by a woman in labor, intended to protect her from the female demon Lamashtu. Representations of Pazuzu were also worn on clothing, pinned like a brooch, to protect a mother with a baby, and a stone example has been found on a necklace in a woman's grave. Size: 2085" W x 2.85" H (5295.9 cm x 7.2 cm); 4.1" H (10.4 cm) on included custom stand.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#140246

Piece is a fragment, missing the lower part of the face and most of its border. Nice remaining details with interesting surface deposits. Small drill holes for TL.