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Finial of mythical beasts
Near Eastern, Iranian, Luristan
Iron Age
10th–9th century B.C.
Medium/Technique
Bronze
Dimensions
Height: 12.4 cm (4 7/8 in.)
Credit Line
Maria Antoinette Evans Fund
Accession Number30.572
CollectionsAncient Egypt, Nubia and the Near East
ClassificationsTools and equipment – Animal-related
DescriptionConfronted beasts rampant snarling with mouths open and tongues run out; elongated, stylized necks, small loop at end of tail; smaller beasts leaping on the back of each.
ProvenanceBy 1930, acquired in Iran, probably by Ayoub Rabenou, Paris; 1930, sold by Rabenou, through Arthur Upham Pope (b. 1881 - d. 1969), Paris, to the MFA [see note]. (Accession Date: August 7, 1930)
NOTE: MFA accession nos. 30.544-30.637 were purchased from Arthur Upham Pope for $15,000, plus a $2250 commission. According to Pope, the majority of the group belonged to Rabenou.
NOTE: MFA accession nos. 30.544-30.637 were purchased from Arthur Upham Pope for $15,000, plus a $2250 commission. According to Pope, the majority of the group belonged to Rabenou.