Furniture fitting in the form of a goat

Historical period(s)
Iron Age II, ca. 1000-800 BCE
Medium
Bronze and stone
Dimensions
H x W x D: 26 x 15.8 x 8.7 cm (10 1/4 x 6 1/4 x 3 7/16 in)
Geography
Northwest Iran
Credit Line
Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1987.18
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Metalwork
Type

Fitting: furniture

Keywords
goat, ibex, Iran, Iron Age II (ca. 1250 - 800 BCE)
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

The mountain goat, with its magnificent horns, inhabited the high rocky regions of the ancient Near East, and from early times inspired artistic representations.  Several places on the head, chest, and feet of this example show that it was originally attached to another object.  This evidence, together with the rather decorative character of the figure, suggests that it was made for use as a decorative fitting on a piece of furniture, perhaps a throne.

Published References
  • et al. Asian Art in the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery: The Inaugural Gift. Washington, 1987. cat. 4, p. 30.
  • Edith Porada. Glories of the Past: Ancient Art from the Shelby White and Leon Levy Collection. Exh. cat. New York. cat. 36, pp. 49-52.
  • Investigating Artistic Environments in the Ancient Near East. Washington. p. 72, fig. 1-2.
  • America's Smithsonian: Celebrating 150 Years. Washington, 1996. p. 82.
  • Trudy S. Kawami, John Olbrantz. Breath of Heaven, Breath of Earth: Ancient Near Eastern Art from American Collections. Exh. cat. Seattle, Washington. cat. 59, p. 174.
Collection Area(s)
Ancient Near Eastern Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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