**Originally Listed At $300**

Ancient Near East, modern day northern Iran, Luristan, ca. 1000 to 600 BCE. A fabulous trio of zoomorphic bronze bracelets - two whole and one partial - with wide-bands, open rings, and applied, highly abstract rams' heads on the terminals of each. All are skillfully decorated with zigzag patterns along the outer rim of the band. A symbol of virility, the rams' heads are composed of two coiled horns in a deep "v" shape and projecting snouts. Luristan craftsmen produced high quality bronze objects for a class of nomadic horse lords whose love for their animals shines through clearly in the decorative items they commissioned. Size (2 larger bracelets): 2.4" Diameter (6.1 cm)

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.

Provenance: private southern California, USA collection, acquired before 2000

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A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#146635

One piece is a fragment of a larger bracelet; remaining two bracelets are intact and very good. All items have smooth encrustations and nicks along peripheries. Nice earthen deposits throughout. Two intact bracelets are wearable as shown.