Ancient Luristan Bronze Master of Animals Finial

**Originally Listed At $800**

Ancient Near East, modern day Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 700 BCE. A bronze hollow tubular standard in the style of a "master of animals", a highly stylized anthropomorphic figure standing above the heads and necks of equally stylized, giraffe-like creatures (probably meant to be deer). This piece connects by a pin to a bell-shaped hollow item possibly used for attachment or placement in an altar. Many of these standards were removed from Luristan in the 1800s and early 1900s without proper archaeological excavation; only two have been scientifically excavated. As a result, their true function is unknown. Suggestions for their interpretation have ranged from the religious - depictions of deities, idols, talismans, etc. - to the utilitarian - parts of chariots or used in funerary rituals. Size: 1.95" W x 6.8" H (5 cm x 17.3 cm); 7.4" H (18.8 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Florida, USA collection acquired in the 1980s

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#125568 Dimensions: Condition Report: Nice dark, mottled green patina on the surface of the piece with clear form and some remaining details, especially on the animal heads.