Description:

Luristan, modern day Iran, ca. 1000 to 700 BCE. This is a bronze hollow tubular standard in the form of two animals with long necks, bodies, and tails stretched out and joined at each paw and their mouths. The identity of these animals is somewhat hard to determine - they appear to be giraffes, with their elongated necks and rounded ears, but their feet are clearly paws rather than hooves. We know that leonine forms are known from Luristan, so perhaps these are lionesses? Many bronze 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. Size: 2.1" W x 4.3" H (5.3 cm x 10.9 cm)

Provenance: Ex - Hovsepian Collection acquired before 1980

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#116088

  • Condition: Green-red patina, with clear decorative form and details.=

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August 3, 2016 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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