Western Asiatic Bronze Kneeling Priest with Sacred Ram Statuette

3RD-2ND MILLENNIUM B.C.

2 1/4 in. (155 grams, 58 mm wide).

Diorama on a L-shaped base depicting a ram standing with a shackle to one foreleg attached to a stub pillar, bowl by the forelegs, kneeling kilted male to the side with a pot on his lap, hands clasped, mouth open; attachment lugs to the underside.

Provenance

Property of a London gentleman; in the family collection since the 1970s.

This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.13311-258232.

Literature

Cf. Eskandari, N., ‘A copper statuette from South-Eastern Iran (3rd millennium B.C.)’ in Iran and the Caucasus 26, 2022, pp.17-30, figs.1-3, for the type of human figure.

Footnotes

According to some scholars, the ram should be considered a symbol of farreh, an important Iranian concept sometimes translated as ‘glory’ or ‘charisma’ that mythical kings needed to rule and heroes to defeat their enemies.

CONDITION

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LOT 0208