Ancient Conch Shell Pendant, Early Dynastic Period to Akkadian Empire, c. 2900–2154 BCE

**First Time At Auction** Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumer, Early Dynastic IIIb to Akkadian Empire period, ca. 2500 to 2218 BCE. An impressively preserved stone head featuring carefully striated

**Originally Listed At $600** Ancient Near East, Mesopotamia, Sumer, Early Dynastic IIIb to Akkadian Empire period, ca. 2500 to 2218 BCE. An impressively preserved stone head featuring carefully stria

This steatite bird plaque from the Early Dynastic Period of Mesopotamia features an intricately carved depiction of a bird, a common motif symbolizing divine protection or power. Such plaques were lik

This steatite plaque from the Early Dynastic Period features dot engraving, a decorative technique used extensively in Mesopotamia. Such plaques were often embedded in furniture, walls, or religious a

This dual-faced stamp seal from the Akkadian Empire showcases the high level of symbolic and functional artistry typical of the period. The intricate carvings on both sides were used to seal and secur

This unique two-faced stamp seal from the Akkadian Empire era is crafted from steatite, a material favored for its durability and ease of carving. The intricate designs on both sides of the seal would

This steatite amulet from the Akkadian Empire features a dot eye carving, a motif often used to ward off the evil eye and protect the wearer. The use of steatite and the stylized eye symbol are indica

Ancient Egypt, Third Intermediate to early Late Dynastic (Saite) Period, 21st to 26th Dynasty, ca. 1070 to 525 BCE. A gorgeous and sizable canopic jar from ancient Egypt that is hand-carved from honey

Category: Ornaments and Dress Accessories This amulet carved from jasper, hailing from the Late Uruk period, is a testament to the early developments in Mesopotamian craft and symbolism. Such amulets

Category: Pendants and Figurines This lapis lazuli amulet from the Neo-Assyrian Period features intricate carvings that likely served ritualistic purposes, perhaps invoking divine protection. The mate

Category: Stamp Seals This steatite stamp seal from the Achaemenid Empire period, dating between 550 and 330 BCE, showcases intricate carvings of a grazing animal surrounded by symbolic motifs. Its we

Category: Pendants and Figurines This steatite amulet in the shape of a clenched fist, typical of the New Kingdom period in ancient Egypt, symbolizes power and protection. Often worn or placed with th

These Natufian shell beads from Eynan, Israel, are among the earliest forms of personal adornment found in archaeological contexts. Dating back to approximately 12,500-9,500 BCE, they exemplify the in

This superb bead, shaped into a zoomorphic figure, is crafted from lapis lazuli, a material prized by the Parthian culture for its deep blue color and golden inclusions. The bead's detailed carving re

This superb bead, shaped into a zoomorphic figure, is crafted from lapis lazuli, a material prized by the Parthian culture for its deep blue color and golden inclusions. The bead's detailed carving re

Category: Cylinder Seals and Impressions This Old Babylonian period steatite cylinder seal features a meticulously carved scene of an animal feasting on fruit from a tree, illustrating the Mesopotamia

This cylinder seal from the Neo-Assyrian period is carved from steatite, a material favored for its durability and ease of carving. The intricate engravings likely served both decorative and functiona

This bifacial steatite amulet from the Neo-Babylonian period displays carvings on both sides, which likely served both decorative and apotropaic functions. The craftsmanship reflects the period's adva

Category: Ornaments and Dress Accessories This jade amulet from the Early Bronze Age reflects the Near Eastern traditions of using gemstones not only for their beauty but also for their supposed magic

This unique Parthian period bead, expertly carved from lapis lazuli to depict an eye, symbolizes protection and vigilance. The intense blue of the lapis, punctuated with natural golden flecks of pyrit

This steatite idol from the Early Bronze Age of the Near East demonstrates the era's distinctive artistic style and religious iconography. Idols like this were likely used in domestic shrines or carri

This carved steatite amulet from the Neo-Sumerian period is adorned with a cross motif, possibly indicating a cosmological or religious significance. Amulets like this were essential for personal prot

This stamp seal, dating to the Middle Assyrian period, showcases the evolution of seal design with its geometric and symbolic motifs. Used for marking goods and sealing documents, it reflects the admi

This two-faced stamp seal from the Old Babylonian Period is a fine example of the intricate craftsmanship of Mesopotamian artisans. The detailed engravings on each face likely depict mythological scen