Luristan Copper Snake Finial

Ancient Near East, Northwest Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. An intriguing copper finial in the form of a cylinder with serpentine forms modeled in relief to decorate it. The finial is also adorned with incised triangular lines, protruding rings, and bands that have incised lines that look like ropework and divide the top portion into three panels. Snakes extend upward within each panel with their heads resting on the rings below the neck of the finial. The entire composition exhibits lustrous layers of green, russet, and brown patina. This is a class of artifact found throughout the region of ancient Luristan; however, the function of these finials is unknown. Suggestions for their interpretation include religious depictions of deities, idols, and talismans. Size: 6.25" L x 1.27" W (15.9 cm x 3.2 cm)

Provenance: ex-estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

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#158144
Condition Report: Nicks to peripheries. Otherwise intact. Heavy age patina!