Figurine Identification

[Deleted]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone could help me identify this figurine. Im not sure if it is sumerian ubaid or other.

Thanks

Attachments:

[us4-he2-gal2]

Dsmuggler21:




I am sure you have seen Ubaidian figurines before, if you know about the Ubaidian period chances are you have seen the so called "lizard head" style figurines from that period. This particular item reminds one of this style due to the shape of the head, however the eyes are not visible which would have been another indicator..

In any case, enenuru is mainly given to philological discussion and that is my main area of interest. I doubt there are very many people in the world who would feel confident dating or placing such a piece just by its remaining features without say some background or information where it was excavated etc. Someone who could make such a guess would be a Mesopotamian archaeologist or art historian. However most of these student and scholars are quite against smuggling or black market sale of antiquities and for good reason. Most persons at this board study the languages of the ANE and aren't in a position to answer your question. In the hypothetical case someone did have enough confidence to call this "Ubaidian" (and there isn't much to go on at all) such a person would probably not volunteer such information - because you have the word "smuggle" in your name.

This is the way of the world.

[darkl2030]

Could be even older, like Halaf period, I think this seated/lotus position, the small squat size and "fatness" are characteristic for this period. The conical heads are also known from Halaf period. Also, it could theoretically be quite young, abstract figurines like this are known from as late as the Iron age. Or, it could be a modern art piece (or a skillful forgery) made in the last 5 years. Without any solid documentation of provenience its completely impossible to tell. So the object is basically worthless from a art-histoical and a monetary view (unless you're able to convince a fool to buy it).

If its real, the depiction of apparently a baby in a swaddling cloth around the left breast is quite beautiful and unique as far as I know (though I'm no expert on this class of figurines.

[Deleted]

Well its been in the family for a very very very very long time - Its good to have the family back you could say!

[Deleted]

It's been a pleasure but I think we have work to do -