Ancient Near East, Anatolia, ca. 2nd millennium BCE. A fascinating hand-carved figure of a juvenile antelope or similar ungulate, displayed standing on an integrated, flat, rectangular base. It is made from a pale limestone, although time and deposition has darkened its surface. The animal stands on tall, thin legs, with a thin body dominated by large haunches and an oversized head with even more oversized eyes - in fact, the incised eyes take up the majority of the face! Two pointed horns and small ears rise from the animal's head. The huge eyes may be an indication of attentiveness to the gods, as they are in anthropomorphic idols from ancient Anatolia. This figure is likely votive, carved to be used for worship - perhaps meant to be placed into a temple, altar, or burial to simulate a real animal as an offering. The antelope was a sacred symbol of virility throughout the ancient Near East. Size: 5.85" W x 5.95" H (14.9 cm x 15.1 cm) Provenance: private East Coast collection, New York, New York, USA, acquired before 2010 All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #127678