Ram

Carved from a flat, squarish stone, this ram figurine represents a singular combination of abstract and naturalistic expression. The stone is elegantly shaped with soft curves and lines that subtly suggest the animal's body without actually representing its limbs. Only the head is indicated, also with gentle curves, while two incised lines mark the animal's stubby tail. In contrast to this abstract treatment, the curved horns are vividly and naturalistically depicted in high relief. This remarkable ram figurine with emphasized horns was most probably an important object in the religious life of the community. The figurine was found by accident in 1895 by farmers plowing land near the village of Azor. Based upon parallel finds, it may be dated to the Chalcolithic period.