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From Jerry

11th July '10

 

A small metal piece approximately 1 3/8" tall by 7/8" wide depicting a two-headed creature with large goggle-eyes.

 

The heads are set atop long necks eminating from a single body. The edges of the inset goggle-eyes meet to form a crest down the middle of the faces. No other facial features are apparent.

 

There is a small dimple centered in the body section where one would expect to find a belly button, but it may be just a random dimple in the metal.

 

I acquired this item approximately 5 years ago. It was sent gratis with several middle eastern cylinder seals I purchased. The seller did not have any idea about what it might be and did not realize it was metallic. The source is purportedly middle eastern, probably Iraq.

 

There are small patches of lusterous golden-hued metal that show through the overall dark brown patina.

Thanks

 

The first and third photos are slightly enhanced.

 







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 From David L.

12th July '10

It is a a Syrio- Palestinian multiple diety figure from the Middle to Late Bronze age. See Ora Neghbi  Canaanite Gods in metal  PP4-6 figure 7.

 

I can not tell from the pictures if it is genuine since the colors of the patina differ in each view and color would be an important indicator. You should examine the patina as you would any ancient Bronze. As for style the piece is correct but that means little with such a crude object. 

 

Thamks David.

Any chance of a scan from that book. I don't have it.

The forms are fairly various of course.

 



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But this example of a copper or bronze Early Bronze Age IV -Middle Bronze Age I multiple god figure is sort of comparable. (2200 BC -2000 BC.)

 

 



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With  thanks, from David.

 





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From Marshall

October '10.

 

This hard stone object measures 4.7cm by 1.3cm. 

 

Have you seen anything similar?

 

Looks like two small figures in the middle of two larger ones -- the smaller ones with elongated necks/heads?

 

I see the outline of a bird profile on the right, with wings spread upwards.  And is the figure on the left holding a sword towards or through the bird?

 

I wonder what its purpose was, given that it has perpendicular holes drilled through both ends.

 








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Similar stone and similar motif to this spindle whorl which has been on  the market and said to be Anatolian or Syrian circa 3100 BC -2600 BC.

 

 



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From Phil

 

The piece in my opinion fits within the Syro-Anatolian Glyptic

 for the Archaic period, c. Late Proto-Literate - ED III for dating

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