Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran and eastern Turkey, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A beautiful bronze tubular standard in the form of a "master of animals," rendered as a rod-like figure with a curved nose and annular eyes who reaches out his slender arms to grab the necks of 2 zoomorphs sitting atop 2 birds. A pair of serpentine creatures adorn the lower section. The piece connects to a bell-shaped body used for attachment to a pole or placement in an altar. The true function of many of these standards 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. A wonderful example! Size: 2.75" W x 12" H (7 cm x 30.5 cm); 12.75" H (32.4 cm) on included custom stand.
Provenance: private Corpus Christi, Texas, USA estate collection, acquired 1960s to 1970s
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#165224
Condition
Base and body not connected. Expected surface wear with nicks and abrasions as shown. Minor chips to rim. Otherwise, excellent with nice patina.