Bronze Age Bronze Bracelet with Ram-Head Pendants

£ 650.00

A fine restrung Bronze Age bracelet featuring three ram-head pendants. The bracelet is comprised of several cylindrical pieces of bronze. Each feature a central ridge running longitudinally and they display a vertical split breaking the continuous loop. The stylised ram heads, also know as Argali mountain sheep, are portrayed through a long, curving face, horizontally protruding ears and large, spiral horns. The pendants are connected to the bracelet via loops at the back of the heads. The outer loops feature diagonal incisions resembling a plait while the central loop features two parallel linear grooves. A lovely green patination coats the surface, with some russet hues of bronze shining through. The bracelet is finished with a modern silver clasp.

Length measures bracelet when unclasped.
Width measures bracelet when clasped.

Date: Circa 12th-10th century BC
Provenance: From the private collection of a London gentleman, from his grandfather's collection formed before the early 1970s.
Condition: Very fine; restrung.

In stock

SKU: KW-99 Category: Tags: , ,

The Bronze Age period, spanning over 2000 years, was signified by the expansive use of bronze. During this time, civilisations would produce the bronze by mixing copper, tin and other metals or would trade their own products for bronze from elsewhere. Bronze was more durable against the other metals available during the time; as such it revolutionised everyday objects ranging from vessels to agricultural tools to weapons. The Near East and Western Asia were the first regions to start using bronze, aiding the rise of cultures such as the Mesopotamian civilisation of Sumer. Luristan bronze, from the province of Lorestan, similarly became renowned in antiquity for its sophisticated bronze-working techniques. Bronze vessels and jewellery, such as this fine piece, would have been used in everyday life but also buried together with the deceased.

Weight 28.2 g
Dimensions L 20.5 x W 7.5 cm
Culture

Metal

Region

Time Period

Reference: For a bracelet with a similar ram-head design,The Metropolitan Museum of Art, item 30.97.1

You may also like…