Ancient Near East, Luristan (modern day Iran), ca. 1000 to 700 BCE. A bronze hollow tubular standard in the style of a "master of animals", a pair of humanlike figures standing with their hands and heads touching incredibly stylized, leonine or avian creatures. The upper human figure's arms encircle the animals in what some interpret as an image of control. The lower figure has two heads projecting, crescent-moon-like, from the sides of its head. Below that figure - whose body has a wide-shouldered and wide-hipped form - is a long tube that ends in a flared bell-like shape likely once used for attachment. Size: 2.6" W x 14.2" H (6.6 cm x 36.1 cm); 15.2" H (38.6 cm) on included custom stand.
Many standards like this one were removed from Luristan in the 1800s and early 1900s without proper archaeological excavation; only two have been scientifically excavated. As a result, their true function 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. Fascinatingly, although they are all similar in theme, each one seems to have individualized elements, so that no two standards are identical.
Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection
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#137594
Condition
Repaired at center. Light encrustations on surface, especially near the base, with a pretty dark green patina.