W3

Luristan bronze ceremonial finial

A cast bronze ceremonial standard-finial in the form of two confronting felines with highly stylised bodies and powerful curved necks. These elegant bronze sculptures often incorporate a human separating the two fighting beasts and are therefore often referred to as master of animals finials; they are thought to have represented the ability of humans to harness the power of the most feared animals around them.

It is interesting to note that this finial is unfinished (some casting residue remains between the legs) and this is most likely because a couple of accidental holes were formed on one side of the body during production and the figure was therefore discarded.

North West Iran, Luristan, c. 1000-800 BC

Size: 10.7 x 4.1cms.

Intact as shown

Acquired in the Canadian trade.