Ancient Near Eastern ArtIvory/Bone-Sculptureca. late 3rd millennium B.C.
Head of a bull is a ivory/bone-sculpture of Canaanite origin created in ca. late 3rd millennium B.C. using ivory (hippopotamus) measuring 1.46 x 1.5 in. (3.71 x 3.81 cm) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About This Artwork
| Medium | Ivory (hippopotamus) |
| Dimensions | 1.46 x 1.5 in. (3.71 x 3.81 cm) |
| Classification | Ivory/Bone-Sculpture |
| Department | Ancient Near Eastern Art |
| Credit Line | Purchase, Rogers Fund and The Charles Engelhardt Foundation Gift and Norbert Schimmel Gifts, 1994 |
| Date | ca. late 3rd millennium B.C. |
Historical Context
Culture & Period
This work belongs to the Canaanite culture, dating from the Early Bronze Age period. The estimated date range is 3000 BC – 2000 BC.
Geography
Origin: Southern Levant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What department houses Head of a bull?
Head of a bull is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When was Head of a bull created?
Head of a bull dates to ca. late 3rd millennium B.C..
What material is Head of a bull made from?
Head of a bull is crafted from ivory (hippopotamus).
Is Head of a bull in the public domain?
Head of a bull is in the public domain and can be freely used.
Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026