RARE BABYLONIAN CLAY CUNEIFORM BARREL

Ca. 1900 BC
A beautiful example of a clay barrel cylinder of biconical form, with hollow interior. Cuneiform barrel cylinders were typically created to be buried beneath structures. Kings would place these as a sign of good luck and faith towards the gods they worshipped. They would also act as a guide for future kings who, upon digging them up, could honour the name of their predecessor.
Size: 140mm x 100mm; Weight: 975g
Provenance: Property of a North London gentleman; From a European Collection, France, bought in London in 1980-90s, the piece was seen by Professor Lambert. This item has been cleared against the Art Loss Register database and comes with a confirmation letter.
Estimate: GBP 2000 - 3000