Object Description
An ancient Luristan cast bronze artefact, possibly a standard or idol support, featuring a pyramidal body rendered in openwork, a long cylindrical neck and a folded rim. The standard’s idol is modelled in the shape of a zoomorphic creature.
Luristan bronze comes from the province of Lorestan, a region situated in the area of modern South-Western Iran. In ancient times a number of nomadic populations, such as the Medes, the Kassites and eventually the Persians, settled in the area. Due to the nomadic nature of the tribes, none of the Luristan bronzes were of great size, since it was required for them to be light and portable. Idols’ supports would have bene modelled in the shape of tubular bottles, with the idols placed to the top. The most popular Luristan idols would have been the Master of Animals type, however zoomorphic figurines of local fauna would have been present too. The intricate openwork on the support’s body, creating a sort of cage-like shape, echoes Luristan rattle bells of the same period.
Date: Circa 1800-600 BC