SculptureSumerian4th millennium BCE

Calf

3200-3000 BCE

Description

Reclining calf with its legs tucked under the body, front and back hooves touching. The calf has budding horns, carefully carved ears, and prominent eyebrows. Its eyes are hollow and likely once held inlays. The tip of the tail is carved above the proper right hind leg. A hole (diameter 0.2 cm) drilled vertically through the animal’s body would have made it possible to wear the figurine as an amulet. The surface is somewhat eroded.

Classification

Sculpture

Technique

Carved

Medium

Limestone

Culture

Sumerian

Period

Uruk period

Century

4th millennium BCE

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Ancient and Byzantine Art & Numismatics

Dimensions

1.9 × 1.5 × 4 cm (3/4 × 9/16 × 1 9/16 in.)

Provenance

[Charles D. Kelekian, New York (by 1952-1982)], by descent; to [Kelekian Associates, New York (1982-1992)], by descent; to Nanette Rodney Kelekian, New York (1992-2021), bequest; to the Harvard Art Museums. NOTE: "Kelekian Associates" was formed at the death of Charles D. Kelekian by Nanette Rodney Kelekian and her mother Beatrice Kelekian. Upon Beatrice Kelekian’s death in 1992, ownership passed to Nanette Rodney Kelekian.