2022.233: Calf

Identification and Creation

Object Number

2022.233

Title

Calf

Classification

Sculpture

Work Type

sculpture, statuette

Date

3200-3000 BCE

Places

Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia, Mesopotamia

Period

Uruk period

Culture

Sumerian

Persistent Link

https://hvrd.art/o/369971

Physical Descriptions

Medium

Limestone

Technique

Carved

Dimensions

1.9 × 1.5 × 4 cm (3/4 × 9/16 × 1 9/16 in.)

Provenance

Recorded Ownership History

[Charles D. Kelekian, New York (by 1952-1982)], by descent; to [Kelekian Associates, New York (1982-1992)], by descent; to Nanette Rodney Kelekian, New York (1992-2021), bequest; to the Harvard Art Museums.

NOTE:
"Kelekian Associates" was formed at the death of Charles D. Kelekian by Nanette Rodney Kelekian and her mother Beatrice Kelekian. Upon Beatrice Kelekian’s death in 1992, ownership passed to Nanette Rodney Kelekian.

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line

Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Bequest of Nanette B. Kelekian

Accession Year

2022

Object Number

2022.233

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Contact

am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu

Permissions

The Harvard Art Museums encourage the use of images found on this website for personal, noncommercial use, including educational and scholarly purposes. To request a higher resolution file of this image, please submit an online request.

Descriptions

Description

Reclining calf with its legs tucked under the body, front and back hooves touching. The calf has budding horns, carefully carved ears, and prominent eyebrows. Its eyes are hollow and likely once held inlays. The tip of the tail is carved above the proper right hind leg. A hole (diameter 0.2 cm) drilled vertically through the animal’s body would have made it possible to wear the figurine as an amulet. The surface is somewhat eroded.

Verification Level