figure of a stag
Iran, 4th to 3rd Millennium B.C.,
Terra-cotta, Height: 4 inches.

This charming object is a crudely formed figure of a horned animal, probably a stag. Very early, it dates from the time when humans were first making mud brick homes in early agricultural settlements. As such it is a connection to our remote formative past. Despite or because of its crude modeling, the piece exudes vitality and humor. These animal figures probably were votive objects deposited in sacred sites to draw in prey animals and honor them.