Ancient Southeastern Mediterranean, Proto-Hittite, ca. 1800 to 1500 BCE. This bronze sculptural ensemble representing a pair of oxen drawing a cart was created by the predecessors of the Hittites, making this group approximately 4,000 years old. The chariot is pulled by two solid-cast oxen with four, flat disc wheels. The rectangular cart with looped balustrades. This is a very rare ensemble created by one of the oldest cultures of the Levant! Custom, lucite stand. Size: 9-3/8"L (23.8 cm) x 2-3/4"H (7 cm); on stand, 9-5/8"L (24.4 cm) x 3-3/8"H (8.6 cm).

While not much is known about this culture, prior to a few archaeological discoveries, the only source of information about the Hittites was the Old Testament. According to the Book of Kings, the Hittites supplied the Israelites with chariots (later and more sophisticated carts if you will), horses, and cedar, and were friendly with and allied to Abraham in the Book of Genesis.

cf: A similar example sold at Christies, London - Sale 1548, Lot 30 (April 2, 2014), hammering at $83,150 (50,000 BP) with an estimate of $66,640 to $99,960 (40,000 BP to 60,000 BP).

See also Dallas Museum of Art's Oxen and Cart (ca. 2000 to 1800 BCE) featured on their collection website. For a slightly later Hittite representation, see a drawing of a Hittite chariot from an Egyptian relief, published in Paul Volz: Die Biblischen Altertumer (1914), p. 415.

Provenance: Ex-private Richard Wagner collection, Cape Cod, MA, acquired in the 1970s.

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#108689

Right most wheels reattached. Minor losses with encrustation as shown, but overall in remarkable condition for a group that is just under 4,000 years old.