Anatolian Bronze Standing Soldier Figure

Ancient Near East, modern-day Turkey, Anatolia, probably Hittite, ca. late 2nd millennium BCE. A fascinating bronze statuette of a standing soldier wearing a rounded helmet. He is dressed in a long-sleeved tunic that flares outward below the waist and leggings. The head is prominent, with a strong brow line, large, almond-shaped eyes, a petite, triangular nose, and a closed mouth. The figure stands with its hands pressed close to its sides, his body displaying broad shoulders and a robust chest that tapers to a slender waist. Size: 1.1" W x 4" H (2.8 cm x 10.2 cm); 4.3" H (10.9 cm) on included custom stand.

The Hittites were famous for their warrior prowess, quickly conquering large swaths of land in ancient Turkey and the Middle East and even challenging the Egyptians. Archaeological evidence of Hittite armor, particularly that from Bogazkale (Hattusa), the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire, suggests that ordinary soldiers would have worn lighter attire during long marches and campaigns - heavy armor would have hampered their stamina. Instead, they word leather jackets, belted kilts, and leather-made helmets with neck and cheek guards, as this figure does.

Provenance: private Marysville, California, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA, December 20, 2018, lot 77; ex-East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired before 2010

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#171123
Condition Report: Loss to tip of nose. A few miniscule perforations throughout and minor chip to verso of kilt. Some light abrasions and softening of finer detail. Otherwise, excellent with rich green patina.