Furniture element: human head
Flag of IraqAncient Near Eastern ArtIvory/Bone-Sculptureca. 18th century B.C.

Furniture element: human head is a ivory/bone-sculpture of Old Assyrian Trading Colony origin created in ca. 18th century B.C. using ivory (hippoptamus) measuring 0.67 x 0.75 x 0.79 in. (1.7 x 1.91 x 2.01 cm) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumIvory (hippoptamus)
Dimensions0.67 x 0.75 x 0.79 in. (1.7 x 1.91 x 2.01 cm)
ClassificationIvory/Bone-Sculpture
DepartmentAncient Near Eastern Art
Credit LineGift of Mrs. George D. Pratt, in memory of George D. Pratt, 1936
Dateca. 18th century B.C.

Historical Context

Culture & Period

This work belongs to the Old Assyrian Trading Colony culture, dating from the Middle Bronze Age–Old Assyrian Trading Colony period. The estimated date range is 1800 BC – 1700 BC.

Geography

Origin: Anatolia. Flag of Iraq

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Furniture element: human head?

Furniture element: human head is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Furniture element: human head created?

Furniture element: human head dates to ca. 18th century B.C..

What material is Furniture element: human head made from?

Furniture element: human head is crafted from ivory (hippoptamus).

Is Furniture element: human head in the public domain?

Furniture element: human head is in the public domain and can be freely used.

Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026

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