Object Description
A finely crafted, Western Asiatic, Jemdet Nasr, alabaster seal amulet in the shape of a calf. The bovine is carved from a single piece of alabaster, with a rounded outline, portrayed in a recumbent pose with its legs folded underneath. Its features are carved delicately, with pronounced eyes, lips and a prominent snout; there are linear markings on the animal’s neck and some on the body which depicts the creature shaggy-looking fur. There is a leg joint carved into the stone at the base that is now slightly faded due to age. The reverse of the calf amulet is flat and displays wide linear marks, and small circles, possibly zoomorphic representations. The amulet has been perforated for suspension, with the hole going through the animal’s neck and head.
Date: Circa 3300 BC-2900 BC