Shell engraved with winged female deity, sphinxes, and lotus plants
Ancient Near Eastern ArtShell-Vesselsca. 8th–7th century B.C.

Shell engraved with winged female deity, sphinxes, and lotus plants is a shell-vessels created in ca. 8th–7th century B.C. using shell (tridacna squamosa) measuring 2 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (7 x 3.8 cm) — now part of the Ancient Near Eastern Art collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About This Artwork

MediumShell (Tridacna squamosa)
Dimensions2 3/4 x 1 1/2 in. (7 x 3.8 cm)
ClassificationShell-Vessels
DepartmentAncient Near Eastern Art
Credit LinePurchase, Friends of Inanna Gifts, 1999
Dateca. 8th–7th century B.C.

Historical Context

Culture & Period

dating from the Iron Age II period. The estimated date range is 800 BC – 600 BC.

Geography

Origin: Levant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What department houses Shell engraved with winged female deity, sphinxes, and lotus plants?

Shell engraved with winged female deity, sphinxes, and lotus plants is housed in the Ancient Near Eastern Art department of The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

When was Shell engraved with winged female deity, sphinxes, and lotus plants created?

Shell engraved with winged female deity, sphinxes, and lotus plants dates to ca. 8th–7th century B.C..

What material is Shell engraved with winged female deity, sphinxes, and lotus plants made from?

Shell engraved with winged female deity, sphinxes, and lotus plants is crafted from shell (tridacna squamosa).

Is Shell engraved with winged female deity, sphinxes, and lotus plants in the public domain?

Shell engraved with winged female deity, sphinxes, and lotus plants is in the public domain and can be freely used.

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

Related