Ancient Near Eastern ArtMetalwork-Sculptureca. mid-3rd millennium B.C.
Head of a lion is a metalwork-sculpture created in ca. mid-3rd millennium B.C. using copper alloy, inlaid with shell measuring H. 3 15/16 x W. 3 1/4 in. (10 x 8.2 cm) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About This Artwork
| Medium | Copper alloy, inlaid with shell |
| Dimensions | H. 3 15/16 x W. 3 1/4 in. (10 x 8.2 cm) |
| Classification | Metalwork-Sculpture |
| Department | Ancient Near Eastern Art |
| Credit Line | Gift of Sheldon and Barbara Breitbart, 1985 |
| Date | ca. mid-3rd millennium B.C. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What department houses Head of a lion?
Head of a lion is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
When was Head of a lion created?
Head of a lion dates to ca. mid-3rd millennium B.C..
What material is Head of a lion made from?
Head of a lion is crafted from copper alloy, inlaid with shell.
Is Head of a lion in the public domain?
Head of a lion is in the public domain and can be freely used.
Data Source: The Metropolitan Museum of Art Open Access · Last updated: April 2026