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Details
LOT 0097
Scythian Bronze Finial with Animal Head
5TH-4TH CENTURY B.C.
9 3/4 in. (570 grams, 24.6 cm).
Comprising an ellipsoid panel mounted on a conical socket; openwork lattice design with lozenge voids; socket with horse-head to one face, lateral lugs above the mouth.
Provenance
Private European collection, 1990s.
Private collection, London, UK.
Accompanied by an academic report by Dr Raffaele D'Amato.
This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13278-254311.
Literature
Cf. similar elements in Artamanov, M., I., Treasures from Scythian Tombs), London, 1969, figs.73-75; for Scythian Horse Harness cf. Galanina, L.K. Die Kurgane von Kelermes:“Königsgräber” der frühskythischen Zeit, Moscow, 1997.
Footnotes
Bronze pole tops, together with mirrors and horse trappings, were characteristic of Scythian art. Usually, Scythian warrior burials were accompanied by horses, the number of which corresponded to the status of the deceased (Galanina, 1997, p.54, fig.16). In the famous Chrertomlyk barrow, together with a deposit of 250 bridles, several openwork pole-tops were found, with figures of animals and birds, which could have been mounts for the harness or top of standards. However, they could also have been the upper part of staff poles decorating funeral wagons. Pole tops are one of the most significant objects used by the Scythians, and formed part of the ritual furnishings.
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LOT 0097
Scythian Bronze Finial with Animal Head
Estimate £2,000 - 3,000€2,320 - 3,480 (for guidance only)$2,700 - 4,050 (for guidance only)
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