Central Asia, Turkmenistan or Afghanistan, ca. 1st millennium BCE. A delightful cast bronze belt buckle in the form of a ibex, shown in profile, prancing. Most of its body is within a rectangular frame that its feet and lower body flow into, but the head, ear, and massive antlers overwhelm the border. A long, low-relief spiral form flows from the animal's forehead to its forelegs. Hooks for using it as a buckle project from the tail and chest of the animal. The iconography of the ibex is seen over and over again, replicated in gold, bronze, and stone, by various peoples in Central Asia, the Near East, and even the Indus Valley. Perhaps because of their large, protruding horns, the animals seem to have been considered symbolic of virility and masculinity. Comes with custom stand. Size: 2.8" L x 2.25" H (7.1 cm x 5.7 cm); height on stand: 2.9" (7.4 cm)

Provenance: private New Jersey USA collection, acquired over twenty years ago

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.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#121648

Green patina over surface. Details and form very clear.