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Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran and Turkey, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. An intriguing cast-bronze standard finial in the form known as the "master of animals." The lovely size of this example indicates it was perhaps mounted atop a large pole and paraded around in front of onlookers. The top element features a standing figure - the master of animals - mirrored on each side grabbing the throat of an abstract horned creature with each hand. Below is a second master with an additional pair of snouted heads below a pair of abstract avian heads. The lower half of the standard exhibits a pair of ibex heads protruding from the side walls, each with a grand pair of segmented horns. Attractive layers of green and brown patina have formed across both halves and create an alluring presentation. Size: 3" W x 15.6" H (7.6 cm x 39.6 cm); 18.3" H (46.5 cm) on included custom stand.

This style, with the human faced creatures with ibex horns, is sometimes called "demons". Suggestions for the interpretation of this class of artifact have ranged from the religious - depictions of deities, idols, talismans, etc. - to the utilitarian - parts of chariots or used in funerary rituals. All we really know is that they have been found in graves and that the central figure seems to be exerting control over the creatures it holds.

Provenance: private Los Angeles, California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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#179420

One half rests atop the other by design, with modern copper rod inserted into top of lower half for stability of upper half. Both components with light abrasions and minor softening to finer details, otherwise intact and excellent. Wonderful patina throughout, and great preservation to figural and zoomorphic forms.