Description:

Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A hollow cast-bronze tubular standard in the style of a "master of animals," a Janus-headed figure whose body is represented as the end of the elongated tube. The heads are identical, with exaggerated noses and ears and a slightly-flared hat with a segmented border. A small tang protrudes from the bottom of the body. This is a class of artifact found throughout the region of ancient Luristan, sometimes depicting the human figures holding stylized leonine animals like this example, or sometimes alone. The function of these finials is unknown. Suggestions for their interpretation have ranged from religious - depictions of deities, idols, talismans, etc. - to the utilitarian - parts of chariots or used in funerary rituals. Covered in lustrous green patina, this is a wonderful example from the ancient Near East! Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 1" W x 5.375" H (2.5 cm x 13.7 cm); 5.725" H (14.5 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#137061

  • Condition: Surface wear and minor abrasions commensurate with age, light fading to some finer details, and some light roughness near top, otherwise intact and excellent. Light earthen deposits and great green patina throughout.

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August 30, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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