Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran and northeastern Turkey, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 700 BCE. A beautiful cast-bronze standard finial of tubular form. The imagery of the "master of animals" presents with a stylized figure at the top reaching out to hold the long necks of two flanking animals. Below the animal necks are two protruding beaked bird heads and two more humanoid faces before the standard ends with bowed legs just above the opening where it would attach to a wood staff. This intricately cast standard was perhaps carried in a procession for religious purposes. The Master of Animals was a symbolic deity or talisman that represented their command over fellow creatures. Size: 8.375" L x 3.125" W (21.3 cm x 7.9 cm)
Provenance: East Coast collection, New York Gallery, New York City, New York, USA, acquired April 3, 2015; ex-Artemis Gallery, Louisville, Colorado, USA; ex-private Palm Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired between 1980 and 1990
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#157130
Condition
Standard finial is in two parts that stack and are not attached. Surface wear commensurate with age. Great green patina and encrustation. Details of faces are in good condition.