Luristan Bronze Animal Head Finial

$466.92

A finely cast Luristan bronze finial with an animal head. The piece displays a long, cylindrical body topped with an animal’s head, most likely a goat. It features fine detailing such as the pricked ears , large eyes and clenched jaw. The animal head is connected to the body via a thin, curved neck. The entire piece is covered in a beautiful bright green patination.

Date: Circa 1st Millennium BC
Provenance: Ex S.M. London collection, 1979-99 by descent.
Condition: Very fine, beautiful green patination covers the surface, mounted on custom made stand.

SOLD

SKU: MG-43 Category: Tags: , ,

Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the Zagros Mountains. In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes, the Kassites and eventually the Persians, settled in the area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the Luristan bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Their artwork mainly comprises ornaments, vessels and weapons. Cast spike-butted axes are hallmarks of Luristan bronze weaponry during the First Iron Age Period, between 1200 and 1000 BC. Most of Luristan bronze items have been recovered in funerary contexts.

To discover more about the Luristan Empire, please visit our relevant blog post: The Luristan Empire: Beauty of Bronze.

Weight 54.3 g
Dimensions L 17.8 cm
Culture

Region

Metal

You may also like…