Sumerian Priest Head Pendant
3rd millennium B.C. A haematite pendant in the form of the shaved head of a priest carved with semi-naturalistic facial features; drilled horizontally through the top of the head for suspension; displayed in a custom-made presentation box printed 'Derek J. Content Antiquities and Jewelry' to the interior. Cf. Aruz, J. ed., Art Of The First Cities, The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2003, for figures showing stylistic similarities and for general discussion; cf. The Metropolitan Museum, New York, accession number 86.16.7, for a 3rd millennium B.C. head of a Neo-Sumerian man showing stylistic similarities. 13 grams, 23.5 mm (82 grams total) (7/8 in.). Acquired in the late 1970s.Important North West London collection.