A Stone Head of a Deity, Lepinski Vir Culture, Middle Danube Region, Mesolithic Period, 7th/6th Millennium B.C.

carved out of a river stone of ovoid shape, with broad grooved mouth, large doughnut-shaped eyes, and prominent brow merging into a large nose and sloping into forward-pointing horn-shaped ears, the ribbed hair brushed back; no restoration.

Berger Collection, Berlin, acquired in the 1960s
Kelebec Gallery, Berlin
German private collection, acquired from the above on November 29th, 1974
acquired by the present owner on the German art market in 2012

Surface is weathered overall. There is a chip on the nose, the hair bridges are abraded. Calcium deposits in areas. Item needs a simple ring base.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

For stylistically related heads and figures of larger scale from the Lepinski Vir culture, which thrived along the Middle Danube shores in the Mesolithic Period, see Lepenski Vir. Menschenbilder einer frühen europäischen Kultur, exh. cat., Cologne and Munich, 1981, pp. 31 (fig. b) and 39 (fig. d). The Lepenski Vir Culture created Europe's first monumental sculpture and is also known for its gradual transition from the hunter-gatherer way of life of early humans to the agricultural economy of the Neolithic Period.