thoughtful mastiff from 2100 b.c.e.

Sumerian. Recumbent Dog, ca. 2100 B.C.E. Aragonite, 5 3/4 x 3 3/4 x 9 in. (14.6 x 9.5 x 22.9 cm).
Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, the Guennol Collection, 51.220.
Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 51.220_SL1.jpg)

What has he been guarding so carefully for four millenia, this thoughtful fellow?  At his page on the Brooklyn Museum's website you can see an additional image of him in black and white which really points up the wrinkles of his brow.  Measuring all of 5 3/4 x 3 3/4 x 9 in., this stout mastiff-type dog was sculpted during the Neo-Sumerian period, a time of order and calm exercise of power.  This webpage has more on that subject as well as a number of artworks, if you're interested.