Whetstone

The whetstone, of the type used in Sumer before B.C. 3000, is set in a socket (not hung on a wire). The bronze head represents a lion's mask, with stylized eyes, nose, whiskers, ears, upside down between two dragons' heads, neck and forepaws. Two ligatures of five thread each.

Legrain publication: "Whetstone mounted on a bronze head The stone is of the very type and grain used in Sumer before 3000 B.C. In Lustrian anyhow, it is not hung on a ring, but set in a socket. The bronze head on the top of the socket is decorated with a lion's mask with stylized eyes, nose, whiskers and ears upside down between two dragon's heads, necks, and forepaws. Two bands of five strings tie the socket. 50 x 44 mm"