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HOME :
Near Eastern Art :
Miscellaneous : Bird Effigy Votive Seal With Intaglios
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Bird Effigy Votive Seal With Intaglios - D.0053
Origin: Lake Van, Anatolia
Circa: 4000
BC
to 3000
BC
Collection: Near Eastern
Medium: Dickite
Location: United States
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| Description |
Shaped like an abstract bird, 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
nature god. The design that adorns them—of
birds, animals, seated 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
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.0053)
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