Ancient Carved | Stone Amulet Flask with Double-Sided Motifs | Circa 1st millennium BC – early 1st millennium AD
Description
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Historical Context & Origin
Region: Ancient Near East / Eastern Mediterranean
Material: Carved stone (likely limestone or calcite) with earthen patina
Period: Circa 1st millennium BC – early 1st millennium AD (Hellenistic–Roman era, likely)
Description
A rare carved stone amulet-flask with a squared, slightly tapering body and short, raised neck drilled through for use. Each flat face is framed by a shallow incised border and decorated in low relief: one side shows a stylized quadruped/animal in motion, while the opposite side bears a more abstract, linear design that may represent symbolic or decorative motifs.
The surface exhibits a warm, chalky patina with mineral deposits and encrustation from long burial, giving the piece a beautifully ancient character. The bore through the neck suggests the flask once held a small quantity of oil, pigment, or other precious substance, and it may also have been worn or carried as a protective charm.
Features
- Ancient carved stone amulet-flask with functioning drilled neck
- Double-sided decoration: one face with an incised animal figure, the other with abstract / symbolic motifs
- Framed panel compositions on both sides enhancing the amuletic “tablet” effect
- Attractive earthen patina and mineral deposits consistent with age and burial
Cultural Significance
Small stone flasks and amulets such as this were prized personal objects across the ancient Near East and Eastern Mediterranean. They could function simultaneously as containers for perfumed oils or pigments and as protective charms, the carved imagery believed to offer blessing, protection, or identity to the owner. Double-sided examples with figural designs are particularly desirable for their display value and narrative quality.
Condition
Good ancient condition with expected age wear, surface softening to the carvings, minor edge nicks, and encrustations consistent with long burial. The neck remains intact and open. No modern repairs observed.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 1.75 inches
Width: 1.5 inches
Age
Estimated over 1,800–2,500 years old
Learn More
Explore the role of personal amulets, votive objects, and small ritual offerings in ancient belief systems and daily life in Memories for Life – The Votives Project
Discover more authentic Greco-Roman and Mediterranean relics in our curated Roman & Greek Artifacts – Ancient Relics Collection
Description
Historical Context & Origin
Region: Ancient Near East / Eastern Mediterranean
Material: Carved stone (likely limestone or calcite) with earthen patina
Period: Circa 1st millennium BC – early 1st millennium AD (Hellenistic–Roman era, likely)
Description
A rare carved stone amulet-flask with a squared, slightly tapering body and short, raised neck drilled through for use. Each flat face is framed by a shallow incised border and decorated in low relief: one side shows a stylized quadruped/animal in motion, while the opposite side bears a more abstract, linear design that may represent symbolic or decorative motifs.
The surface exhibits a warm, chalky patina with mineral deposits and encrustation from long burial, giving the piece a beautifully ancient character. The bore through the neck suggests the flask once held a small quantity of oil, pigment, or other precious substance, and it may also have been worn or carried as a protective charm.
Features
- Ancient carved stone amulet-flask with functioning drilled neck
- Double-sided decoration: one face with an incised animal figure, the other with abstract / symbolic motifs
- Framed panel compositions on both sides enhancing the amuletic “tablet” effect
- Attractive earthen patina and mineral deposits consistent with age and burial
Cultural Significance
Small stone flasks and amulets such as this were prized personal objects across the ancient Near East and Eastern Mediterranean. They could function simultaneously as containers for perfumed oils or pigments and as protective charms, the carved imagery believed to offer blessing, protection, or identity to the owner. Double-sided examples with figural designs are particularly desirable for their display value and narrative quality.
Condition
Good ancient condition with expected age wear, surface softening to the carvings, minor edge nicks, and encrustations consistent with long burial. The neck remains intact and open. No modern repairs observed.
Dimensions (Approximate)
Height: 1.75 inches
Width: 1.5 inches
Age
Estimated over 1,800–2,500 years old
Learn More
Explore the role of personal amulets, votive objects, and small ritual offerings in ancient belief systems and daily life in Memories for Life – The Votives Project
Discover more authentic Greco-Roman and Mediterranean relics in our curated Roman & Greek Artifacts – Ancient Relics Collection
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