Scythian Bronze Howling Stag Protome Mount Pair

CIRCA 5TH-3RD CENTURY B.C.

2 1/8 in. (56 grams total, 55-56 mm).

Each an openwork appliqué formed as the head and upper body of a ravening predator with gaping mouth and carefully notched teeth, one forepaw extended, eye with curled browline; above, a 'headdress' of three roundels with spiral detailing connected by lateral arms; thick attachment loop to reverse. [2, No Reserve]

Provenance

Private collection formed in Europe in the 1980s.
Westminster collection, central London, UK.

Literature

Cf. Simpson, S. & Pankova, S., Scythians: Warriors of Ancient Siberia, London, 2017, item 19, for a monstrous beast attacking a horse in a similar pose.

Footnotes

The depiction is unusual, since the superstructure above the head resembles an elk's antlers in some respects, but the teeth indicate that it is a carnivore. The Scythian artistic tradition could combine fantastical beasts with realistic representations drawn from nature, all in a single object.

CONDITION

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LOT 0105