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HOME :
Near Eastern Art :
Archive : Bird Effigy Engraved Votive Seal With An Intaglio
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Bird Effigy Engraved Votive Seal With An Intaglio - D.0149
Origin: Lake Van, Anatolia
Circa: 4000
BC
to 3000
BC
Dimensions:
1.875" (4.8cm) high
x 1.25" (3.2cm) wide
Collection: Near Eastern
Medium: Dickite
Additional Information: sold
Location: United States
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| Description |
This ancient votive seal was discovered with a
cache of similar artifacts along the shores of
Lake Van. Evoking the dawn of Western culture,
these apparently were offerings at the shrine of
some powerful god. This unknown deity appears
to have been associated with fertility and rebirth.
The design that adorns them—of birds, animals,
cult idols—probably stood in proxy for more
costly sacrifices. Pressed into soft clay or wax,
they would have created multiple images to win
the favor of the god. It is possible that the bird,
a recurring motif, was associated with the idea of
the soul. Carved with an abstract simplicity but
an observant eye toward nature, the stark visual
appeal of this piece is timeless. These seals
represent dreams, hopes and aspirations for
health, success, and happiness that are as old as
civilization itself.
- (D.0149)
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