Amulet in the shape of a lamb. Sumer, Mesopotamia, 3300–2900 B.C.

Lamb-shaped amulet. Sumer, Mesopotamia, 3300–2900 B.C.
Stone.
Provenance: private collection, Hampshire, Great Britain.
Measurements: 6.5 cm long.
Sumerian art shines particularly brightly in the field of sculpture. Sumerian sculpture possesses a series of characteristics that make it unique and that it conveys to the viewer. They created both free-standing sculptures and reliefs, both sharing the same characteristics. The materials used are limestone or chalky alabaster, which allows for greater finesse in execution. The subjects depicted are drawn from everyday life, which lends them great historical significance. Unlike Egyptian art, there is no fantasy element here, as religion is not the central theme.