Thraco-Scythian Fitting Group with Stylised Animals

5th-4th century BC. A pair of bronze zoomorphic fittings with openwork bodies, each formed as a stylised animal (wolf) running right, with a gaping jaw, ear flat to head, tail held close to body, detailing to head, body, legs and paws; each with hook and loop to reverse. See Marazov, I., Thracian Warrior, Sofia, 2005, for identical pieces from Apollonia and North-East Bulgaria on p.61. 61 grams total, 76-82mm (3 - 3 1/4"). Property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection; previously acquired in Munich, Germany, between 1992 and 1996. These buckles, shaped as the figure of a lying wild dog or wolf, have been widely found in the regions of ancient Thracian territories. They underline the warrior function of both the object and the animal: for the Thracians, this animal duplicated the mythical-ritual image of the warrior himself and also served as part of the warrior’s belt. For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price [2, No Reserve]
Condition Report: Fine condition.