Central Asia, probably the western part of the area, ca. 2nd to 1st millennium BCE. A large, heavy penannular bracelet made of cast bronze. Each terminal is in the form of a zoomorphic head, possibly a chimera or a dragon-like beast. The faces have long, broad snouts, large eyes on the sides of their heads, and long, feathered ears. The band of the bracelet is thick, and the bronze has aged to a beautiful pale, mottled green patina. Comes with custom stand. Size: 4.85" W x 4" H (12.3 cm x 10.2 cm); height on stand: 7.25" (18.4 cm)

Bracelets with zoomorphic terminals seem to have originated in western Central Asia, and they have been found as far afield as ancient Luristan. The cemetery at Surkh Dum in Iran, for example, contained many examples of these torq-like bracelets. They would have shown the wealth of the person with whom they were buried, and the animal figures probably had some symbolism that is now lost to time.

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

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#121614

Mottled light green patina overall, with excellent remaining details.