Rare Luristan Bronze Shield Boss

Lot 113

About Seller

686 S Taylor Ave, Ste 106
Louisville, CO 80027
United States

Selling antiquities, ancient and ethnographic art online since 1993, Artemis Gallery specializes in Classical Antiquities (Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Near Eastern), Asian, Pre-Columbian, African / Tribal / Oceanographic art. Our extensive inventory includes pottery, stone, metal, wood, glass and textil...Read more

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About Auction

Antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Italy, Asia by Artemis Gallery

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Antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Italy, Asia

By Artemis Gallery

Oct 25, 2018

Set Reminder 2018-10-25 11:00:00 2018-10-25 11:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : Antiquities from Egypt, Greece, Italy, Asia https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/antiquities-from-egypt-greece-italy-asia-3538 Featuring Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Etruscan, Near Eastern, plus Asian art from Central and Far East. If you love the classics, this is the sale for you. Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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Lot Description

Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan culture, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. A cast-bronze discoid shield boss meant to be situated on the exterior of a shield. The shield boss has a thin outer rim with a six-pronged openwork design radiating outwards from a central conical nipple. The center spokes display a series of incised linear stripes running the length of each from the center cone, and the outer periphery is separated from the interior via an incised concentric circle. A small suspension loop rests in the center of the verso opposite the protruding obverse cone, allowing a warrior to secure the boss to the center of his shield and provide an attachment point for the shield's grip. Gorgeous layers of thick green and brown patina envelop both sides, and the openwork construction makes this example one of exceptional rarity. Lucite display stand for photography purposes only. Size: 9" Diameter (22.9 cm).

The region of Luristan, which encompasses the rugged Zagros Mountain chain, is famous for its bronze work that was above and beyond the skill level of contemporary groups. The affluent group in Luristan society that patronized the metalworking industry and purchased fine items like this shield boss were nomadic horsemen. They would travel into towns and from there purchase swords, shields, daggers, and other bronze and iron objects from craftsmen. Although these horsemen were pre-literate, we know from the records of the Elamites and other southern neighbors that these tribesmen functioned as mercenaries in the constant warfare between the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Elamites. When they died, they were buried in rock-covered tombs with their instruments of battle like this example.

Provenance: private California, USA collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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#135185

Condition

Large fissure and loss to portion of exterior perimeter. Surface wear and abrasions commensurate with age, fading to fine incised details, slight bending to peripheries and overall form, with small nicks to openwork center and peripheries, and fading to bronze coloration. Light earthen deposits and great green and brown patina throughout.
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