Head of a pin

Heavy, cast terminal; pin shank, now missing, was attached on the rear underside of the terminal, where there is an opening. The terminal is in the form of a winged equid, with the head and body of a quadruped couchant richly modeled. The legs are bent under the body; they have paws with the claws rendered by incised lines, not hooves. Harness is indicated. The pronounced ridges running up the shoulders probably indicate a very highly stylized wing.

Historical period(s)
Iron Age II - III, 1000-500 BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H x W x D: 5.1 x 1.6 x 5.7 cm (2 x 5/8 x 2 1/4 in)
Geography
Western Iran
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. John B. Bunker in memory of Dr. Edith Porada
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1996.82
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Jewelry and Ornament, Metalwork
Type

Pin

Keywords
composite animal, horse, Iran, Iron Age II (ca. 1250 - 800 BCE), Iron Age III (ca. 800 - 500 BCE)
Provenance

To the late 1950s or 1960s
H. Khan Monif (died 1968), New York to the late 1950s or 1960s [1]

From the late 1950s or 1960s to 1996
Emma C. Bunker, purchased in New York City from H. Khan Monif in the late 1950s or 1960s [2]

From 1996
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, given by Mr. John B. and Mrs. Emma C. Bunker, Wheatland, WY, in 1996

Notes:

[1] According to Provenance Remark 1 in the object record.

[2] See note 1.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

John B. Bunker and Emma C. Bunker
H. Kahn Monif died 1968

Description

Heavy, cast terminal; pin shank, now missing, was attached on the rear underside of the terminal, where there is an opening. The terminal is in the form of a winged equid, with the head and body of a quadruped couchant richly modeled. The legs are bent under the body; they have paws with the claws rendered by incised lines, not hooves. Harness is indicated. The pronounced ridges running up the shoulders probably indicate a very highly stylized wing.

Collection Area(s)
Ancient Near Eastern Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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