A fine Western Asiatic amulet depicting a zoomorphic creature formed from a pale pink carnelian stone with hints of orange hues. The creature is comprised of rounded features - a large, globular body with short legs and a head incised with three short incisions, likely representing eyes. The base of the amulet is smooth and unworked. The amulet is perforated horizontally for suspension. Some minor dark encrustations. Near Eastern civilizations used jewels not only for the living but also for the deceased. Not by chance, many jewels have been found in burials. On top of gold, also stones such as carnelian, turquoise or rock crystal were used for jewellery. In particular, the latter was appreciated for its delicate transparency, and also involved for other objects like vessels or similar tools. Representations of animals comprised a large portion of the Ancient Near Eastern artistic repertoire. Specifically, images of wild animals and features considered dangerous or powerful appear in all periods of ancient Near Eastern art, dating back to the Neolithic period. Bulls, together with lions, became especially prominent and were used to express the power of rulers and deities. Measurements: L 1.1cm x W 1cm x H 0.8cm Provenance:Ex S.M. Collection, London, Mayfair, acquired 1970s-90s.