© Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University

ClassificationsAncient Near Eastern Art

"Bird-head" Figurine

Possible OriginSyria, Asia

CultureSyro-Palestinian

PeriodEarly Bronze Age

Date2300-2100 BCE

MediumClay

Credit LineGift of Richard and Donna Curtiss

Dimensions3 3/4 x 1 1/8 x 13/16 in. (9.5 x 2.9 x 2.1 cm)

Object number2010.049.375A

Label TextPillar-shaped standing female figure. Applied hair, marked with short incisions and divided into three sections, with two tresses falling onto the shoulders, one on either side of the head, and a thick ponytail at the back. The prominent, beak-like nose is pinched. The eyes are formed using two pellets incised with an inner circle and pierced at the center. Vertically applied band with single pierced hole down neck. Double necklace formed by two strips of applied clay with horizontal incisions. Arms follow the contour of the torso, with hands resting on chest. Fingers incised. Columnar body with flared, concave base.

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