Near Eastern Carnelian Mouse Amulet

Near Eastern civilisations used jewels not only for the living, but also for the deceased. Animals have always widely featured in Near Eastern artwork, holding different representations. These can be seen as early as the Uruk period in which domestic and wild animals were carved into sculptures. Across the Near East, animals were portrayed both in a naturalistically and abstract style with enhanced features used to depict certain qualities. The mouse often acted as symbol of innocence and due to their living underground they were often considered a connecting link between the world of the living and the underworld.