LOT 1582

Western Asiatic Luristan 'Mistress of Animals' Bridle Bit

12TH-10TH CENTURY BC

9 3/4" (1 kg, bit: 25cm).

A bronze bit and flanking plaques comprising: round-section bit with flattened and scrolled ends; two plaques, each depicting the 'Mistress of Animals' standing in long fringed robe and horned tiara on a rectangular base, flanked by attacking winged gryphons, three loops to the reverse.

Property of a North London collector; ex Christies, 2 April 2014, Lot 32.

Accompanied by an Art Loss Register certificate.

Cf. Godard, F. The Art of Iran, London, 1965, item 16; Moorey, P.R.S. The Art of Ancient Iran, in Ancient Bronzes, Ceramics and Seals, Los Angeles, 1981, item 43.

The image of a deity holding two animals is an ancient one and is found in many cultures and can depict either a male or female divinity. That of the female is known as Potnia Theron, or "Lady of the Animals" a term first used by Homer in the Illiad. In the Mesopotamian world the forces of chaos are often represented by animals and the gods are seen as the restraining force to these unpredictable powers that could harm the human world. The presence of horns on figures marks them out as being divine and are often found being worn by kings who saw themselves as close to the gods.