Description:

Ancient Near East, modern northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. A wonderful example of a hollow tubular standard finial in the "master of animals" style, cast in two separate pieces. This motif features a singular janiform figure holding the bodies - sometimes necks - of mirrored, stylized zoomorphic creatures. The figure's arms extend laterally to the creatures in what some have seen as an image of control. This example features a slender, bell-shaped lower portion and an upper section depicting the animal-controlling individual. Custom museum-quality display stand included. Size: 13.625" H (34.6 cm); 14.125" H (35.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Many of these standards were removed from Luristan in the 1800s and early 1900s without proper archaeological excavation; only two have been scientifically excavated. As a result, their true function is unknown. Suggestions for their interpretation have ranged from the religious -- depictions of deities, idols, talismans, etc. - to the utilitarian - parts of chariots or used in funerary rituals.

Provenance: private Orange County, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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#131749

  • Condition: Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, fading to some details, otherwise intact and very good. Light earthen deposits within recessed details, and lovely green and russet patina throughout.

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April 5, 2018 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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