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HOME :
Near Eastern Art :
Luristan Art : Luristan Bronze Ibex Finial
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Luristan Bronze Ibex Finial - AM.0182
Origin: Central Asia
Circa: 900
BC
to 600
BC
Dimensions:
14" (35.6cm) high
x 3.5" (8.9cm) wide
Collection: Near Eastern
Medium: Bronze
£8,000.00
Location: UAE
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| Description |
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This finial was produced in the era when the
Luristan metal workshops were at their most
prolific, c. 900-600 B.C. Similar designs can be
found on a range of items including horse gear,
axes and hair and clothing pins. These were all
burial items distinguished by the large repertory
of animal motifs, both real and imagined. By this
period bronze was reserved for decorative
artefacts that symbolised social standing among
the communities of the Zagros mountains; more
mundane, utilitarian objects were made of iron.
The hallmark of Luristan wares is the tendency to
elongate the necks, tails and bodies of the
animals to produce graceful curves and arches.
The re-discovery of the splendour of Luristan
metalwork began in the 1930s and made
considerable progress after World War II. The
absence of relevant written records makes their
complex imagery difficult to interpret in specific
religious terms but it is likely that they represent
local deities of some kind. It has been suggested
that such elaborate bronze items must have been
the preserve of the tribal leaders, a warrior class
with the means to equip themselves and their
households for war.
This elegant piece depicts two ibex arranged
symmetrically around a small ring. The horns
each have three small protrusions on the front
side. The elongated necks and bodies of these
creatures form slender s-curves. The tails are
created from a twisted, rope-like cord which is
damaged slightly on the right-hand side. The
finial itself is adorned with circular bands and
the
base has a triangular motif around the edge.
Although the precise function of this piece is
unknown, it is clearly a finely crafted object that
would have conferred considerable prestige on
its original owner.
For similar examples see G. Markoe ed., Ancient
Bronzes, Ceramics and Seals, (Los Angeles,
1981).
- (AM.0182)
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