Carved Stone Head Possibly Assyrian ?

HI All

I bought this interesting carved head at a flea market a couple of weeks ago, it measures approx 4 inches high. I tried doing some research and the only similar example I could find was from the Independent newspaper with an article on looted artefacts from Syria. I would appreciate any thoughts as to origin and age.

Many Thanks

Ray

 

Ray, welcome to the forum!

At the moment I can't ID this head as to style, but very unlikely it dates to the Assyrian era for the sharpness of the features, etc... shows no wear from age. It seems the sculptures, carvings, of Assyrian men are depicted with longer beards that look like someone took great care in styling:

"...arranged in three, four, or five rows of small tight curls, and extends from ear to ear around the cheeks and chin."

I think more of a Greek head, an apostle head, one of the stone heads at the Sheldonian Theatre in London, etc....??? I have taken the liberty of rotating and enlarging your pic. Most people will not take the time to straighten your pic in order to see it better. Perhaps someone will have an idea who, what of when this man may be or represent.

--- Susan

 

That is absolutely the first time I have ever seen such a childlike nose on a carving!!

 

"Here, dear. Blow!"

LOL!

 

Can you post pictures of the back and the bottom of the neck, please?

 

Hi Bev

I include three additional images which I hope will help.

Ray

 

Now that I see the base isn't broken off something, I'm leaning towards a chess piece. Maybe Mexican.

 

Here is the example looted from Syria and included in an article in the independent newspaper here in the uk 25th April 2015 Isabel Hunter.

 

WOW.....if it is looted art work from the middle east....I sure wouldn't want to be found with it !

 

Hi

I doubt it is looted, I paid a very minimal sum for it at a local small flea market. I was told it came from a house clearance here in Scotland in the 1990's. My £5.00 would suggest the seller was being truthful.

 

Well maybe......but you wouldn't be the 1st person to find an inexpensive flea market item......that turned out to be a very expensive nicked treasure..!

Just sayin mate...........the do come to pass !

 

Here's the article on the stolen antiquities including the above pic:
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/w...ome-for-todays-terror-groups-is-10204285.html

--- Susan