Ancient Near East, northwestern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A very interesting piece, a horse bit with matching cheekpieces that has been lost wax cast into the shape of two dramatic, solid zoomorphic figures who appear to be bulls with enormous horns. They are joined along an axis of a narrow bronze cuboid. Two curved ends rise from the central axis, which the cheekpieces are fitted over through a large open ring in each of their centers. The piece is three parts, displayed as it would have been in use. Ancient Luristan, a region of mountains and plains, is renowned for its highly advanced bronze work, much of which was buried as grave goods. Size: 3.5" L x 7" W x 4.3" H (8.9 cm x 17.8 cm x 10.9 cm); 5.6" H (14.2 cm) on included custom stand.

The affluent group in Luristan society that patronized the metalworking industry and purchased decorative items like these were nomadic horsemen. They would travel into towns and purchase bronze and iron objects from craftsmen there. Although these horsemen were pre-literate, we know from the records of the Elamites and other southern neighbors that they were mercenaries in the constant warfare between the Sumerians, Babylonians, Assyrians, and Elamites. Their horses were their livelihood, and they seem to have ornamented them as beautifully as they ornamented themselves.

Provenance: private East Coast, USA collection

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#139652

Dark, mottled patina on surface. Excellent preservation of form, although the two cheekpieces are slightly bent.