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Bronze equine bit with cheek plaques
Near Eastern, Iranian, Luristan
Iron Age
7th–4th century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Width: 17.9 cm (7 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Maria Antoinette Evans Fund
Accession Number30.545
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Animal-related
DescriptionThis equine bit of bronze has two cheek-plaques each cast in the form of a winged, quadrupedal creature with with human face with curled hair, bull's horns, and lion's paws. Rosettes appear on the body. A cylindrical central bar forms the bit, which flattens and curls at the link through the side plaques. The metal is heavily patinated.
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.