Double-sided ivory carving, 19th century

Height x width x depth: 22 x 11,8 x 10 cm. Weight: 2253 g

elephant ivory bifacial carving (Elephas maximus Linnaeus, 1758 or Loxodonta africana Blumenbach, 1797) evoking the ancient and symbolic iconography of deities or historical figures represented with two faces.
This type of bifacial depiction, often seen in various ancient cultures, symbolizes duality, wisdom, or the ability to perceive both the past and the future. A classic example of such representation is the Roman god Janus, the deity of beginnings, thresholds, and transitions. Bifacial or dual sculptures are common in many ancient cultures, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East. For instance, ivory was often used in ancient Greek art, such as in the ivory figure of Philip II of Macedonia, and also in Crete during the Minoan period.
This head combines Persian artistic traits with archaic Greek features and can resemble terracotta head statues common in Cyprus from around 600 BCE to the Roman period. Furthermore, the depiction of two faces may symbolize duality concepts, such as the passage of time or divinity, which were also represented in cultures like the Roman one with the figure of Janus.
The inscriptions at the base of the head might provide further clues regarding its origin or function, though their translation would be necessary for a precise interpretation.
In summary, this sculpture seems to belong to a high-quality artistic tradition, likely with ritual or funerary connotations, similar to sculptural works celebrating power or the divine in many ancient civilizations.

This lot, accompanied by a CITES certificate and expertise issued by Ce.S.Ar Centro studi archeometici, is only available for sale with shipments within the European Union.