WESTERN ASIATIC BRONZE AGE HEAVY BRACELET

C. 1000 BC. Western Asiatic. A gorgeous heavy bronze bracelet with a D-shaped section and sheer terminals bearing an attractive series of abstract designs formed from engraved lines and dots, interspersed with deeper, drilled depressions. One of the terminals features two such depression, along with other incised features perhaps intended to represent a serpent or dragon in a highly stylized manner. In bronze age societies, arm rings and bracelets were not just decorative, but also served to mark bonds of loyalty between a lord and his followers in a culture where honour was a matter of life and death. Such items were also. given to young men to mark their coming of age and bracelets of precious metals were also used as currency in a time before the widespread availability of coinage. Excellent condition; beautiful patina. Provenance: From an old British collection formed in the 1990s, formerly acquired in the UK and European Art Market; Size: L:70mm / W:90mm ; 100g