Amulet of a Lion

Ivory amulet in the shape of a lion from Jemdet Nasr, a city in Southern Mesopotamia and typesite for the period 3200-2900 B.C. The amulet is carved in the form of a recumbent lion with key features, including paws and legs, eye, ears, nose and tail, carefully depicted. Surface shows faint traces of red pigment. A circular hole has been drilled through the neck of the lion, just above the front paw. The hole was probably intended for a cord to pass through, so that the amulet may be worn.