Thraco-Scythian Fitting with Stylised Animal

5th-4th century BC. A bronze zoomorphic openwork buckle formed as a stylised running animal (wild dog or wolf) with open jaw, legs tucked beneath body, detailing to head, ear, body and legs; hook-and-eye to reverse. See Marazov, I., Thracian Warrior, Sofia, 2005, for identical pieces from Apollonia and North-East Bulgaria on p.61. 29.4 grams, 53mm (2"). Property of a gentleman from Vienna; from his private collection; previously acquired in Munich, Germany, between 1992 and 1996. These buckles, shaped as a lying wild dog or wolf, have been widely found in the regions of ancient Thracian territories. They underline the warrior function of both object and animal: for the Thracians, this animal duplicated the mythical-ritual image of the warrior himself and the function of the warrior’s belt. For this specific lot, 5% import VAT is applicable on the hammer price [No Reserve]
Condition Report: Very fine condition.