Ancient Near East, Holy Land, Israel, ca. 900 to 600 BCE. A cast-bronze vessel of intriguing form depicting an abstract zoomorphic creature, perhaps a goat, sheep, horse, or bull. The creature stands with a stocky body atop a quartet of nubbin legs and bears a pair of rod-form protrusions emanating from its posterior, perhaps the base for a handle. The lengthy neck suggests that the raised head was used as a spout at one time for pouring libations or anointing oil for victims of ritual sacrifice. Thick layers of brown and green patina cover the entire composition. Size: 4.625" L x 1.7" W x 3.2" H (11.7 cm x 4.3 cm x 8.1 cm)

Provenance: Barakat Gallery, Los Angeles, California, USA acquired before 2000

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#170879

Losses to portions of head and most of butt protrusions as shown. Minor abrasions and pitting commensurate with age. Great patina throughout.