Amulet in the form of a couchant lion

This small object carved from a piece of shell depicts a reclining lion with head resting on his front paws. The elements of the animal’s body are very simply modeled: haunches, body, shoulders and front paws, and head can be identified. The back is straight and the belly hangs down slightly. Small drilled holes mark the mane, and larger holes indicate the eye and ear. Traces of pigment in these holes suggest that they were originally inlaid with a material in a contrasting color. Lions were one of the most frequently represented animals in the art of Mesopotamia from a very early period on, and were often shown in combat with an adversary, either human or supernatural. This object may have been used as an amulet, harnessing the enormous power of this fearsome animal.