Luristan Bronze Master of Animals Finial w/ Ibexes

Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A fine cast-bronze finial in the form of two long-necked ibexes whose bodies stand upright, their front limbs meeting in the center and forming the uppermost attachment ring, and their lower bodies are slanted outward with fused back feet forming the lower attachment ring. Their heads are capped by impressive antlers that stretch away from the center of the piece and broaden its upper scope. The animals' pose is strange, almost anthropomorphic, and suggestive of magical origins. The true function of finials like this one - often called "master of animals" - 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: 4" W x 8.5" H (10.2 cm x 21.6 cm); 10.4" H (26.4 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Southern California, USA collection, acquired in the 1970s to mid-1980s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#147041
Condition Report: Repaired from multiple large pieces, with small losses along lower body and heads, and with light adhesive residue along break lines. Minor abrasions to lower body and upper body, slight bending to overall form, with light encrustations, and softening to some finer details. Light earthen deposits as well as fine green and brown patina throughout.