Ancient Near East, ca. late 2nd to 1st millennium BCE. Heavy cast bronze socket type mace head or possibly a votive reliquary. Decorated in relief on both sides depicting a standing lion sharing one head at the top front center, flat base. A socket type opening in the rear. A rare example.

Mace heads were among the most potent symbols of royal and divine authority in the ancient Near East, carried by kings, warriors, and deities alike, and frequently deposited as votive offerings in temple contexts. The double lion motif reinforces the object's association with power, kingship, and divine protection — the lion being the preeminent symbol of royal authority across ancient Near Eastern cultures from Sumer to Elam. A rare and striking example of ancient Near Eastern bronze casting.. 2.375”H x 2.75”L (6 x 7cm).

Provenance: Private NYC. collection, acquired from Henry Anavian, Sumer Gallery, NYC., 1990’s. From the estate of David Anavian, Los Angeles, imported during 1979, the year he migrated to the U.S. from Iran.

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Item #71368

Overall deep blue-green surface patina. Overall scattered ancient surface erosion, otherwise intact.