#3rd millennium bc

[dam-nugig]

Tell Agrab, where this rare copper figure of a chariot was found lies near Eshnunna on Diyala river. The site was occupied since Jemdet Nasr period up to the end of 3rd millennium. In its walls it contained temple of Shara, son of Inanna and Anu.

[archaicwonder]

Western Asiatic Silver Jeweler's Earring Hoard Group, 3rd ML BC

A round section silver ring threaded with twenty three silver earrings of the 'Navicella' type consisting of seven silver wires with that to the center with a longer section forming the hoop earwire. 68 grams total, 70mm (2 3/4")

[aleyma]

Jade axe (fu), made in China, c.3000-2000 BC (source).

[dam-nugig]

Due to the extremely fragmentary nature of the surviving data (both as concerns written sources and archaeological evidence), any understanding of the facts and the broader significance of that phase of Babylonia's history [Late Uruk - ED III] must to to a large extent be hypothetical, and, because of this, open to question and allowing alternative interpretations.

Steinkeller, P. 2017: History, Texts and Art in Early Babylonia. Three Essays. Boston/Berlin.

Page 3

[archaicwonder]

Xerez Cromlech, Portugal

The Xerez Cromlech (Cromeleque do Xerez) is a megalithic structure of standing stones (menhir) around one central stone. The site has been reconstructed since the stones had to be moved to keep them from being submerged by the Alqueva reservoir. They have been placed in a quadrangular shape instead of a circle, which is unusual. Construction is estimated to have taken place sometime between the early 4th to mid-3rd millennium BC. The site is located near Monsaraz, Portugal.

[archaicwonder]

Sumerian Bust of a Monkey Sucking Its Thumb, 3rd-2nd ML BC

A stone bust of a monkey with small ears, large eyes and wide mouth; left hand held up to mouth sucking thumb, 46mm including stand (1 3/4")

[archaicwonder]

Bronze Age Oval Dairy Churn, C. 2200-1500 BC

A most interesting vessel similar in appearance to the Chalcolithic examples found all over the Holy Land and thought to be used in the dairy industry. L: 20 in (52.6 cm), H: 13 in (34.2 cm)

[archaicwonder]

Extremely Rare Bactrian Ceremonial "Lock" Idol with Inlaid Bulls, Late 3rd ML BC

A carved stone tent weight with bull images and inlay; accompanied by an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970-1993, which states: 'Ancient Alabaster “Weight” 29cm, high 25cm diameter. This is roughly oval with a hollowed out hole near the top, creating a handle. The edges are rounded and on each side a bull in deep relief with inlay of turquoise and brown stone appears. Much detail is used in the depiction of the bulls. The bull on one side is shown with head facing forwards, while on the other side it faces backwards. In details also the two bulls are quite different. The object is generally in good condition, though some of the inlay is lost on one side. This is an extremely rare object, though certainly from West Central Asia. It dates to c.2000-1700 BC. Its purpose is not certain, but most probably it was carried in some religious rites.’

Among the most iconic Intercultural Style objects are the so-called “lock weights”. These were probably not weights at all, but were likely badges of high office, carried to indicate authority. Fragments of similar objects have been found throughout Mesopotamia, the islands of the Persian Gulf, on the Iranian steppe, as well as the Indus Valley. The production of them seems to be concentrated in two areas, the Gulf island of Tarut, as well as Tepe Yahya in south central Iran, that has produced the only known mine for the stone. The artistic styles on these chlorite objects represent a fusion of art and religious themes from the diverse regions that they are found in, representing both Mesopotamian and Indus culture. The bull was a popular, and sacred animal in both Mesopotamia and the Indus civilisation. In Mesopotamia it was often associated with storm gods, such as Ball. In the Indus region it appears on seals and is often associated with a horned deity that has been identified as a proto-Shiva type figure.