4th millennium BC. A carved limestone 'eye' idol comprising an elliptical-section rectangular body with concentric chevrons to the lower body and vertical segments above, herringbone sides, integral eye above the rounded shoulders with raised pelta-shaped panel to the obverse and concave reverse, perforated. 824 grams, 18cm (7 1/8"). From a private Belgian collection; previously part of a private collection formed in Germany in the 1990s. Cf. a similar example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, under accession number 1988.323.8. [No Reserve] [A video of this item is available to view on TimeLine Auctions website.] Fine condition, usage wear. Rare.