The archaic smooth-maned, recumbent lion is facing straight ahead. The head is large and round. The flanks and lower legs are nearly straight and vertical. The ruff and low mane are barely rising over the forehead; there is no trace of a back mane. The face has a large, open, “laughing” mouth and slanting eyes. There seems to be an outline around the side of the muzzle and possibly some strokes around the mane. Faintly indicated, pointed ears seem to be triangular but no incised detail is ascertainable due to the disintegration of the surface. The ruff is set off in a bolster, which begins below the ears and goes around the chin. The tail rises inorganically out of the l. leg.

Clearly the lion is an example of the early archaic or “Late Hittite” type, with low mane and roaring mouth. It is very close to the little Syn lion (Cat. 26 Figs. 102-104). The most remarkable individual trait is the sharp angularity in outlining the haunch and r. hind leg with three sharp claws. The head and angular legs may be indicative of the more provincial style of Hypaepa.

Strikingly large-crystalled, grayish, “Tmolus” white marble. Very heavily incrusted with embedded bits of reddish brown brick; suggests it was reused in a brick wall. A bluish vein runs above r. haunch.

Recently broken into 4 pieces. A: body from shoulders to tail; B: r. upper shoulder, head, left leg to elbow; C: lower leg; D: lower r. leg and part of shoulder; also broken are parts of plinth. Part of lower r. paw missing (old break). Recent chipping at l. leg. Part of lower jaw broken off. Surface much eroded.

Of the following pieces, Cat. 261, Cat. 262, Cat. 263, Cat. 264, Cat. 265, Cat. 266, Cat. 267, Cat. 268 (Figs. 450-459) were collected by the Sardis Expedition on exploratory trips or brought to the expedition camp by local residents. They were acquired on behalf of the Archaeological Museum in Manisa.