Luristan objects are for the majority bronze cast items decorated with bronze sculptures and there have been many discovered in the Lorestān Province, a region of the Near East. This includes many weapons, tools and finials along with small amulets and fittings. The decorative technique is predominately openwork with Scythian art influences. However, the identity of those who created these fine pieces is still unknown to this day. Animals were often featured as decorations, they ranged from mammals such as ibexes and large birds to zoomorphic creatures including griffins. A prime and popular example is the Master of Animals which usually depicts a man or woman holding animals or just the animals themselves facing each other on finials or standards. This imagery can be seen across the Mesopotamian civilisations. Everyday objects were also desired which included pins and bracelets.
An abundance of bronze weaponry was found in the region, acting as a testament to the sheer amount of fighting that occurred in the ancient world, as is also reflected by the number of times rule over Lorestan changed hands.
To discover more about the Luristan Empire, please visit our relevant blog post: The Luristan Empire: Beauty of Bronze
