Description:

Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A beautiful cast-bronze tubular finial in the form of "master of animals." A hollow standard with the same symmetrical forms modeled on both sides; a highly stylized anthropomorphic figure holding the long necks of flanking animals that mirror one another, with beaked faces extending from the necks, and another human face and body below. Perhaps used for attachment to a pole or placement at an altar, the true function of these types of standards is unknown. Suggestions for their interpretation have ranged from the religious - depictions of deities, idols, and talismans; to the utilitarian - parts of chariots or used in funerary rituals. A wonderful example of the form with a beautiful green patina! Size: 2.45" W x 6.75" H (6.2 cm x 17.1 cm); 9.81" H (24.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: ex-Estate of Eldert Bontekoe, Pegasi Numismatics, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA acquired before 2000

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#158361

  • Condition: Minor losses to the peripheries and high pointed areas. Surface wear and softening of details commensurate with age. Rich green patina!

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November 5, 2020 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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