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Bridle ring with ibex/ram and lions
Near Eastern, Iranian, Luristan
Iron Age
about 200 B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Height: 8.4 cm (3 5/16 in.)
Credit Line
Maria Antoinette Evans Fund
Accession Number30.575
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Animal-related
DescriptionThis bronze ring, possibly from a horse bridle, comprises a scene of a central human figure and three animals (one ibex/ram and two that are likely lions). In a central loop appears a central human, mask-like figure with horned headdress, arms raised as though grasping the top of the ring. The central component at top is an ibex/ram with prominent, exaggerated horns that almost form two additional ring-like spaces. Flanking the central loop and connected to the terminal ends of the ibex/ram horns are two lions with curling tails, rendered in full profile. The metal shows a light green patina.
ProvenanceBy 1930, acquired in Iran, probably by Ayoub Rabenou, Paris; 1930, sold by Rabenou, through Arthur Upham Pope (b. 1881 - d. 1969), Paris, to the MFA [see note]. (Accession Date: August 7, 1930)
NOTE: MFA accession nos. 30.544-30.637 were purchased from Arthur Upham Pope for $15,000, plus a $2250 commission. According to Pope, the majority of the group belonged to Rabenou.
NOTE: MFA accession nos. 30.544-30.637 were purchased from Arthur Upham Pope for $15,000, plus a $2250 commission. According to Pope, the majority of the group belonged to Rabenou.