SculptureSumerian4th millennium BCE

Fragmentary Figurine of a Lamb

3200-3000 BCE

Description

Front part of a figurine depicting a lamb or young sheep reclining with its legs tucked under the body; the back of its body is broken off. There are the remains of a hole pierced horizontally through the animal at the nape of its neck, so the figurine could be worn as an amulet.

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

2.8 × 1.6 × 2.8 cm (1 1/8 × 5/8 × 1 1/8 in.)

Provenance

[Dikran G. Kelekian, New York (by 1939-1951)], by descent; to [Charles D. Kelekian, New York (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.