Thraco-Scythian Fitting with Stylised Animal

5th-4th century BC. A bronze zoomorphic buckle with openwork eye and body, formed as a stylised standing animal (wolf) with claws wrapped around a tall rectangular object, with detailing to the mane, paws and tail; hook-and-loop to reverse. See Marazov, I., Thracian Warrior, Sofia, 2005, for identical pieces from Apollonia and North-East Bulgaria on p.61. 42.5 grams, 93mm (3 3/4"). Property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection; previously acquired in Munich, Germany, between 1992 and 1996. Such figures have been found throughout the ancient Thracian territories. They underline the warrior function of both the object and the animal: for the Thracians, this animal embodied 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 [No Reserve]
Condition Report: Fine condition.