Lot 47A
Syro-Anatolian, Iron Age, ca. 8th to 6th century BCE or Eastern Europe, Bulgaria, Thracian, ca. 4th century BCE. A remarkable carved stone fire starter shaped as the head and forequarters of a ram, its form distilled into a compact block with the head emerging in proud profile. The spiral horn is deeply grooved to catch light and shadow, evoking the natural curl of a ram's horn while asserting a stylized, almost geometric elegance. The animal's muzzle is simply suggested, the ear barely incised, allowing the horn to dominate the composition. Along the body, incised concentric circles adorn both sides, perhaps symbolic of celestial cycles, solar power, or the revolving motion of the fire-drill itself. The rear shoulder bears a panel of chevron incisions, likely decorative but also providing grip. Size: 17.5" L x 5.25" W x 14.5" H (44.4 cm x 13.3 cm x 36.8 cm)
Stone fire starters of this type were utilitarian tools transformed into symbolic objects, embodying themes of vitality, virility, and renewal often associated with the ram. In Syro-Anatolian contexts of the early Iron Age, rams appear in art and cult as symbols of divine authority and agricultural prosperity, while in Thracian belief of the Classical era they may have carried protective or funerary meaning. The concentric motifs resonate with broader ancient Mediterranean traditions in which the circle was linked to the sun, cosmic order, and the continuity of life. Such objects not only produced the life-giving spark of fire but also anchored that act within a symbolic universe, marrying practical necessity to ritual meaning. Whether placed in a household, a shrine, or a burial, this piece reflects the ancient intertwining of daily survival, craftsmanship, and sacred imagery.
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.
SHIPPING EXCEPTIONS: Due to customs clearance issues, we are unable to ship to Germany, Switzerland and Australia. If you live in Germany, Switzerland or Australia, you will need to provide an alternate shipping destination, or we will not be able to complete your purchase. In addition, please note that we are unable to ship ancient items back to the original country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.)
PAYMENT EXCEPTION: Unless a known customer of Artemis, payment for all gold / precious metal / gem lots must be made via Bank Wire Transfer or Certified Bank Check/Money Order, no exceptions.
#195096
- Condition: Surface wear consistent with age; old chipping and weathering to horn and lower edge; design remains sharp and deeply incised.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Shipping
Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense
Artemis Fine Arts
You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.
View full terms and conditions
| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |