Early Dynastic Mesopotamian Gold Lunate Earrings, ca. 2500–2400 BCE

Description

Made from two pieces of high karat gold sheet, each earring is shaped like a hollow crescent or open boat with raised ends. The crescents were probably shaped over a bitumen core. Woolley identified these objects such as this example as earrings because they were regularly found in pairs beside the skull. He suggested that the pin could have passed through the lobe of the ear. Another possibility, however, is that they hung beside the ear but were attached to a headdress.

Dimensions: Overall drop length: 1.57 inches (4 cm)  

Condition: minor dents otherwise intact and in very good condition overall 

Provenance:  Private Florida collection, acquired in the 1960’s and then by descent.