Ancient Near East, Luristan, ca. 1200 to 800 BCE. Eleven expertly cast bronze bells of different styles. One is large and closed except at top and bottom, with a bulbous body; there is a small one of similar style. The rest are all roughly spherical, with round and linear openwork. Size of largest: 1.6" W x 1.5" H (4.1 cm x 3.8 cm)

The area around the Caspian Sea, particularly on its southeast coast, and into modern day Iran, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Baluchistan (western Pakistan), was a cultural hotbed during this time period. The map of archaeological finds from there is studded with urban centers, large burial mounds, and technological and metallurgical innovation - especially in the production of amazing bronze artifacts, probably with influence from the innovative bronze (and later iron) artisans in Luristan (modern day northwestern Iran). People - both men and women - went to their graves with beautiful, well-made bronze items, including musical instruments like these.

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

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Bells all have light green patinated surfaces and are on a modern string.